Paris Municipal Elections 2026: Candidates’ Stances on Animal Welfare

Municipalities play a crucial role in addressing animal welfare issues, primarily focusing on the protection, management, and well-being of animals within their jurisdictions. Local authorities handle the management of both domestic and stray animals; they are responsible for animal shelters, caring for animals found in public spaces, and preventing animals from wandering. Additionally, they can support or operate shelters and collaborate with animal protection organizations.

Municipalities also hold responsibilities related to animal welfare. The mayor inherently possesses police authority to prevent cruelty, oversee living conditions for animals, regulate certain practices, and respond to dangers or reported abuse.

However, animal welfare also plays a role in urban policies. Municipalities can adapt public spaces for animals—such as designated dog areas and park regulations—to reduce nuisances and incorporate animal-related concerns into urban planning and biodiversity management. Additionally, local authorities can undertake awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, especially targeting residents and students, to promote responsible pet ownership, sterilization, prevention of abandonment, and respectful coexistence with living beings.

Ultimately, they work closely with the government, veterinarians, and various organizations, particularly in efforts to protect local biodiversity and enforce national regulations. In this way, municipalities serve as key local players in animal welfare, actively engaging in protection, regulation, prevention, and awareness initiatives—primarily at the community level and with a practical, hands-on approach.

Explore the key proposals put forward by the seven leading candidates for the Paris mayoralty in their respective campaign platforms as of February 15, 2026. This article will be updated to reflect any new initiatives announced by the candidates.

• To be read
• 2026 Paris Municipal Elections: Candidate Program Proposals by Theme
• Municipal Elections 2026 in Paris: What are the candidates proposing on the environment, and where do they stand?
• Paris Municipal Elections 2026: Candidates’ Healthcare Proposals

Paris City Council Elections 2026: Candidates' Stances on Animal Welfare

Please note that these proposals are regularly updated as programs are announced and candidates are revealed. In some instances, specific measures have yet to be detailed in publicly available sources; such gaps are duly noted.

Pierre-Yves Bournazel (Horizons – Backed by Renaissance)

No concrete proposals or measures specifically dedicated to animal welfare have been published on the candidate's official website as of February 15, 2026.

Blandine Chauvel (NPA Revolutionaries)

As of February 15, 2026, there are no concrete proposals or measures explicitly dedicated to animal welfare on the candidate's official website.

Sophia Chikirou (La France Insoumise/Nouveau Paris Populaire)

• Strictly enforce the animal welfare charter and publish an annual public report on its implementation.
• Create designated areas where dogs can be off-leash, ensuring the safety and comfort of other users.
• Support initiatives aimed at ending the captivity of wild animals in Paris.
• Encourage plant-based diets within the city's food policy.
• Embed biodiversity considerations into all urban development projects by systematically incorporating wildlife corridors to facilitate the movement, protection, and coexistence of urban fauna.

(Source)

Rachida Dati (Les Républicains, MoDem, UDI)

• With the exception of specific zones designated by district councils, dogs must be kept on a leash when in Parisian parks.
• Establishment of designated trails where dogs can be off-leash, including a network that covers major parks, the banks of the Seine, and a local square in each neighborhood, as well as certain pedestrian-only sections of the Seine quays, during specified hours.
• Adherence to standards for designated dog areas (caniparcs): secure double gates, grassy zones, agility courses, and shaded areas with fountains to combat heatwaves.
• Distribution of veterinary vouchers through the Social Services offices to individuals experiencing homelessness or financial insecurity, redeemable only at veterinarian clinics that commit to fair pricing in partnership with the City of Paris.
• In cases where pet owners are hospitalized, the creation of an individual card indicating the presence of an animal and providing an emergency contact. If no known contact is available, the city will organize a social concierge service to assist.
• To facilitate dignified end-of-life rituals for pets, the installation of columbaria for urns. Collaborations with the Public Local Company - Paris Funeral Service will aim to offer affordable cremation options.
• Signing an agreement with judicial authorities to strengthen the protection of pets, recognizing that animal abuse can serve as an early warning sign of other forms of domestic violence.
• Mandatory carrying of waste bags during walks, with police able to conduct checks if necessary.
• Increasing the fine for failing to pick up canine waste from €135 to €300.

(Source)

Emmanuel Grégoire (Socialist Party – PS, PCF, Green Parties, Place Publique, and L’Après)

• Opening certain parks to dogs on leashes, ensuring safety and comfort for everyone.
• Launching free veterinary consultation days at the City Animal Shelter.
• Establishing a memorial garden as a peaceful space for reflection.
• Implementing a bird protection plan to safeguard biodiversity and bird habitats, especially during building renovations.
• Supporting animal protection groups, vital players in preserving biodiversity through their efforts in monitoring and caring for local birds.

(Source)

Sarah Knafo (Reconquête)

• Make all Parisian squares and green spaces accessible to leashed dogs, excluding children’s play areas.
• Initiate discussions with major taxi companies to improve the transport options for customers traveling with pets.

(Source)

Thierry Mariani (National Rally - UDR)

As of February 15, 2026, there are no concrete proposals or measures explicitly dedicated to animal welfare on the candidate's official website.

Marielle Saulnier (Lutte Ouvrière)

As of February 15, 2026, there are still no concrete proposals or measures explicitly focused on animal welfare on the candidate's official website.

To help clarify the key issues concerning the management of Paris, we've put together a comprehensive overview organized by topic. You can find all these themes summarized below!

2026 Paris Municipal Elections: Candidate Program Proposals by Theme
The municipal elections are just around the corner, and you're eager to learn more about the candidates’ platforms for the Paris city hall? We've got you covered. Explore their proposals by theme—security, housing, environment, education, culture—and see where each candidate stands! [Read more]