Near Caen, this pet store refuses to exhibit its animals in cages
The chirping of the birds punctuates the end of the day in the Nivanaka pet store. Since November, Kévin Servager and wife Anaïs have “realized a dream” by opening, in Moult (Calvados), east of Caen, this store with a rare concept in its branch. “Our animals are not kept in cages. Besides, we do not sell a cage. We prioritize animal welfare,” says the manager. The rabbits frolic in an 8m² park, built of recycled wood, and the birds have a 10m² aviary, built by Anaïs and Kévin.
The couple have been passionate about animals for years. Madame Pendant has held a stable for more than ten years. Mr., trained as an animal seller, comes out of twelve years in this sector. “With my wife, we went up the distribution chain for pets. And we found that there was no difference between the production of meat animals and that of domestic animals. It served as a trigger. »
The young managers (32 years old for her, 28 for him) approach local breeders and importers, at least French. The birds, for example, come from amateur breeding linked to the association of Friends of Caen and Calvados birds. As for the rabbits, the circuit is even shorter: “We raise our own animals”, slips Kévin. The couple invested in a two-hectare plot of land to build their future home, but also to set up an educational farm where the rabbits from the pet shop will grow.
Three adoptions of rabbits have already taken place, with a specificity here again: “Our animals are sold under contract. Adopters undertake to respect their well-being. We have the right to refuse a sale if, by talking to them, we realize that the person will not be able to take good care of the animal”. The contract stipulates in particular the obligation “of detention in accordance with the needs of the species” and of “sufficient veterinary follow-up”. In case of bad chemistry between the animal and its new owner, or other imponderable, the latter can bring it back in Nivanaka. A provision intended to reduce the risk of abandonment.
The approach of Anaïs and Kévin Servager also applies to residents asked about would have thought less: fish. They too come from local breeders and thrive in the pet shop in conditions conducive to their well-being. “The aquariums are exposed to realize what to do at home. Everything is natural in it”, supports the manager, who poses in parallel with a topical subject: “We say that plastic should not be thrown into the sea. However, we put it in aquariums as close as possible to the fish . Where is the consistency ? The plants also grow in containers and are sold as is, not in pots.
The opening, relayed on the Facebook page Where to find what in Caen – very followed –, which arouses a lot of reactions, both positive and critical on the part of opponents to the sale of pets. An echo of the law on animal abuse, which more strictly regulates the sector, in particular prohibiting the sale of pets, in the first place adopted dogs and cats in pet stores (the text also tightens the regulations on species such as fish A large part of those offered in stores may no longer be).
“There are always criticisms of pet stores, comments Kévin. It is on us that we hit when we sometimes find breeders who have less good practices. Here, we exchange with our breeders. We know how our animals are treated and we try to change people’s view of having a pet. To have the job evaluated, the managers also approach the region’s rural family homes to work with young people in training as salespersons and advisers in pet shops.