Nice has obtained the “Animal-Friendly City” label for the second time. This distinction, awarded by the South Region, rewards concrete commitments made in favor of animal welfare. The city retains the “3 paws” level until 2027.
It’s good to live in Nice when you’re an animal. The city has been rewarded once again for its policy in favor of animals. It retains for an additional three years, until 2027, the “Animal-Friendly City” label at the “excellent 3 paws” level. This label, established in 2023 by the South Region, distinguishes municipalities that develop concrete measures to improve the daily lives of animals in urban areas.
Sterilization of stray cats, creation of dog parks, authorized swimming areas for dogs: the system is based on precise criteria. The label can include up to six “dog/cat” medallions, awarded based on the actions taken.
In Nice, the municipal policy regarding animals is structured around several axes. Secure play areas have been set up to allow dogs to exercise. Beaches are now accessible to animals, under certain conditions. Urban cleanliness has also been strengthened with the installation of bag dispensers for droppings.
For Christian Estrosi, this recognition confirms the strategy adopted by the municipality: “our city is once again rewarded with the Animal-Friendly City label. This distinction reflects our constant commitment to animal welfare and the respect of our four-legged companions.”
The deputy mayor Richard Chemla, in charge of Animal Protection, has been entrusted with the implementation of this policy. The appointment of a designated official is also among the criteria for awarding the label.
An initiative based on national criteria
At the national level, the French Federation for Animal Protection is also working on the establishment of a “Animal-Friendly Towns and Villages” label, modeled after the “Flowered Towns and Villages”. This label, displayed at the entrance of the municipalities, awards one to six medallions according to the number of commitments made.
Among the criteria examined: the training of a designated official, a program for regulating unowned cats, school activities around animal respect, vegetarian alternatives in collective catering, or the prohibition of shows with animals.
Some municipalities can also be rewarded for particular initiatives, such as the use of non-lethal methods for pest control or support for events related to animal protection.
In Nice, this distinction is part of a broader approach. “This labeling is the result of in-depth work. It confirms that Nice is a city where respect for animals is fully integrated into a project of social harmony,” added Christian Estrosi.
