A mobilization is taking shape against the ban on dogs at the Villa Thiole Garden

The ban on dogs at the Jardin de la Villa Thiole in Nice is sparking mobilization in the Liberation neighborhood. Supported by the Stéphane Lamart association, this initiative is asking the town hall to reauthorize leashed dogs in the park.

The ban on dogs at the Jardin de la Villa Thiole continues to provoke reactions in Nice. Several residents of the Liberation neighborhood are mobilizing to restore the previous situation, when leashed dogs were allowed access to the park.

The Stéphane Lamart Association “For the Defense of Animal Rights,” recognized as being in the public interest, is supporting this mobilization. According to the group of residents, the presence of dogs in the garden had been authorized for many years without preventing families, children, or elderly people from enjoying the space.

The association finds this ban difficult to understand, especially since Nice has received the “Animal-Friendly City” label, intended to promote better recognition of animals’ place in public spaces.

“I live two streets from the Jardin de la Villa Thiole in Nice, and every time I pass by the park, I notice that municipal police regularly intervene to ask dog owners to leave, even though their animals are on leash and cause no disturbance. This situation is completely incomprehensible,” says Stéphane Lamart, founder-president of the association.

Animal welfare and social ties at the heart of demands

The association also highlights the consequences of this measure during heat waves. The Jardin de la Villa Thiole, renovated less than six months ago under the previous administration, features notably misting systems, which also allowed dogs to cool off. “This park has misting systems that also allowed dogs to cool down during heat waves. Depriving them of this cooling space, when temperatures are reaching particularly high levels, is difficult to understand given the commitments made by a city that wants to be exemplary in animal protection,” says a resident of the Liberation neighborhood, clarified by the association president.

Beyond animal welfare, the Stéphane Lamart Association emphasizes the role of pets in maintaining social ties. According to the organization, walks with a dog encourage meetings between neighbors and help break the isolation of certain people.

The association believes that coexistence between different users of the Jardin de la Villa Thiole remains possible, provided that dogs are kept on leash and cleanliness rules are respected.

Stéphane Lamart is now asking Éric Ciotti, mayor of Nice, as well as Henry-Jean Servat, deputy mayor in charge of animal welfare, to meet with representatives of the residents’ collective in order to find a solution to restore dog access to the park.

“The residents are not asking for any special privileges. They simply wish to restore a use that existed for years, with respect for everyone. A city that is truly animal-friendly should promote harmonious coexistence between all users of public space rather than multiply bans. We hope that the Mayor will heed the call of the residents and reconsider this decision,” concludes Stéphane Lamart.

The Stéphane Lamart Association calls on the residents of Nice to support this mobilization so that the Jardin de la Villa Thiole becomes accessible again to leashed dogs, in respect of other users.