Useful Info/Events

I think the main thing most people need to know is that
within a 100 metres of your neighbours, if your dog(s) continually make a
noise then they are entitled to compalin to the Mairie about them.
The Maire can obviously ask you to do something about it and if it isn't done
you can be hauled off to the Tribunals to sort out the disagreement with
your neighbour.

You are allowed up to nine dogs but are only allowed one
litter a year. More than that and you are open to inspection by the DSV who
can shut you down and send the dogs to the SPA if they feel you are
affecting the environment.

You can have one guard dog which is allowed to
bark when people come past or enter your property. You must put up a sign
warning people that you have such a dog so that you are covered if someone
enters uninvited and is bitten. (Be careful however, don't say the dog is
'mechant' as you are admitting liablility)
The rule in France is that if you warn someone you are covered. Otherwise, if your
dog bites someone, then the penalties can be severe and can lead to fines and
even imprisonment.

You will be asked to provide proof to the gendarmes that your dog has not got
rabies which will involve blood tests from the vets.

Abandoning a dog can mean a sentence of six months in prison!

All dogs must be identified by either a microchip or tatoo and if you want to
take them camping or to other public venues they may have to be vaccinated
and you may have to provide proof.

All dogs going to shows have to be vaccinated and they usually do
check.

There is a list of proscirbed dogs now such as Rottweilers, American
Staffs and Tosas who are supposed to wear muzzles in public and have to be
vaccinated against rabies at three months old before they leave their
breeders.

The Moselle is the only department at the moment which has rabies
and so of course all dogs must be rabies jabbed.

All dogs that are sold must have a 1st. vaccination and have a microchip/tatoo.

If your puppy develops lepto or parvo viruses in the first week you are entitled
to your money back or another puppy.

If you buy a puppy older than a year which turns out to have hip displasia you
are entitled to have your money back or to have it operated on free of charge.

Most rules in France are to protect people not dogs, and obviously have rabies in mind.

The law in France is a huge minefield and this little piece only touches the surface.

It is wise to bear in mind that insurance in France is paramount and you need to have all your
animals insured for liability - the cost if they cause a car accident does
not bear thinking about and if you can't pay up then they will take
everything you own!
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YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS IN THE NORTHWEST!

I am almost hesitant to let you into the secret of 'EMMAUS' for fear of you 'getting there' before me! But for those who havent heard already, this is THE place to find bargains from furniture to bicycles and help a deserving Charity at the same time!

EMMAUS is an international organisation which sets up independant Self Help Workshops for homeless and jobless citizens. They are donated goods, refurbish or repair them and sell them on to fund their accomodation and training!
There are several across our region; the one I can recommend is just west of Le Mans and has a huge new warehouse with everything you need to furnish your gite or home! If you have things to get rid of they will collect them from you and are pleased to take goods in any condition (well almost!)
Theres a website with more info at
http://www.emmaus-france.org/liens/liens2.htm
or email me and I'll happily direct you!

Grapevine is proud to announce details of LE BREWERY, your english owned TRADITIONAL REAL ALE brewer in the Orne!
Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 6pm, you can taste pale ale, a darker ale and a milk stout here for yourself!
Run by Steve Skews, you will find all
the info on the new website at
http://www.le-brewery.com/
Steve says:
"We are doing 20 litre (36 pint ) casks for all 3 beers available. Hand pumps loaned free.
NEW BEER available in March. Our beers are also available at The Piano Bar nr Domfront, a great place to eat!...scroll down to restaurant section!

BUTCHERS SHOP
soon supplying traditional english Pork Pies!
Torchamp nr Domfront - full details from Derek and Jill Lewis
Tel 02 33 38 85 44

GET READY FOR THE CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL of the YEAR!!
1st - 10th August
To be held at LORIENT BRITTANY
A ten day gathering of international celtic performers and a chance to discover the history of Celtica!
full details in english
http://www.festival-interceltique.com/festival2/fil_en_bref_a.htm

Our favourite expat covers band
MAD COW
are looking to play small get togethers in your village throughout Feb, March and April. More dates soon to be posted but so far we have definate gigs at
St. Fraimbault 61
Gorron 53
and Lesbois 53 (dates to be confirmed!)

Ring Phil from Mad Cow on 02 43 03 39 41
or on the new email philmadcow@hotmail.com

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THE PIANO BAR ( La Varenne )
Run by Derek and Jill Lewis - it is also a Tabac and a very good Butcher. Pork Pies available very soon we here!
61330 Torchamp Domfront region
Tel 02 33 38 85 44
* Recommended and supplied with Real Ales by Steve Skews of Le Brewery

Hotel LION D'OR
Rue Nationale LE RIBAY
02 43 03 90 27
This is a little motel and bar too! Really nice manager, keen to speak 'anglais' and football!
Nice restaurant, good food, good prices, usually open!

HOTEL CROIX VERT
02 43 98 23 41
at the crossroads at NEAU (53)
Good menu, friendly staff, excellent food!

LE FENDERIE
02 43 90 00 95
DEUX EVAILLES (53)
The restaurant on the lake, beautiful setting, plenty of games for the kids on summer evgs!
visit website at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/lafenderie

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		UsefulInfo/Events