Frances Passes Law To Protect The Sounds And Smells Of The Countryside
January 24, 2021
The "sensory heritage" of France's countryside will now be protected by the law.
French Countryside outside Amboise / Credit: Joe_USPG
Senators voted to approve the law, which passed through the lower house of parliament last year, on Thursday in the wake of several high-profile conflicts by village residents and vacationers.
One case involved a rooster called Maurice, who was put on trial in July 2019 after neighbors complained about his early morning crowing. Thousands of people signed a "Save Maurice" petition.
The court eventually rejected the neighbors' complaints and sided with the rooster.
The case came to symbolize growing divisions between rural and urban France.
"Living in the countryside implies accepting some nuisances," Joel Giraud, the government's minister in charge of rural life, told lawmakers.
In a similar case from 2019, a woman was brought to court by a new neighbor fed up with the babbling of the ducks and geese in her back garden. A court in southwest France also threw out that case.
Cow bells (and cow droppings), grasshopper chirps and noisy early-morning tractors are also now considered part of France's natural heritage that will be codified in its environmental legislation.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
This Guy In Cowboy Boots Dancing To 'Rasputin' Is Going To Make Your Day
'Since Target Decided We Need To Dress Ugly...' Woman Has Hilarious Photo Shoot In New Target Dress
Volcano Snails Exist. They Have Metal Shells And Survive 750 Degree Temperatures
Man Builds Amazing Bird Village During Pandemic
For 40 Years, A Man Convinced People That A Giant Penguin Lived In Florida
Fan Theory Suggests The Joker Is Actually The Hero In The Dark Knight
This Otter Playing With Marbles Is Here To Make Your Day
This Couple Trying To Sled Is The Hearty Laugh You Need Today
Delivery Guy Meets Family's Angry Guard Rooster In Hilarious Video
Dog Takes Herself Sledding Down A Huge Hill
Adorable Puppy Crashes Reporter's Weather Report On Live TV