For over a decade, the city of Rennes, France, has successfully carried out a series of initiatives to improve the integration of animals into the city and outskirts. The coherence and continuity of the actions developed by the parks and garden department illustrate the resolve of the local community to take this vital environment concern into account.

The Rennes Parks and Gardens Department organized a teaching farm in the Basses-Gayeulles leisure center, installed dog toilets and dog areas in the city center, integrated pets into local neighborhood developments, and carried out appropriate communication campaigns.

Reorganizing local areas has been one of the main themes carried out in the Blosne neighborhood since 1990. The project addressed issues as child and adult safety, play areas, waste collection, planting flowers at the entrance to housing units, and the integration of dogs. Dialog with and input from the community has been very important. The input from the community resulted in dog toilet installations forming an integral part of the planning arrangements.

The Rennes Parks and Gardens Department has constructed nearly 30 special dog toilets, to provide sanitary spaces in parks. They also created large off-leash areas in parks. The city's gardener teams provide maintenance of the areas to ensure they are kept in good condition. The Rennes town hall developed a leaflet for pet owners that gives a map of the dog toilet locations, explains the signs used, and provides a code of good conduct.

The idea for the Basses-Gayeulles children's farm dates back to 1975 and was inspired by German, Dutch, and Scandinavian examples. The farm was designed where an operational farm already existed. The Rennes Parks and Gardens Department took on the task of renovating the farm, repairing the yard, preparing a teaching area, and building a pony stable and pens for other animals. The farm has a variety of animals including cows, ponies, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry and rabbits. It also has a 3000 square meter garden for vegetables, flowers, and fruits. Four Parks and Gardens Department employees run the farm and provide educational programs. The farm has been given approval as a leisure center and receives an annual subsidy.

 

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