On Saturday, September 26, 24 animal protection organizations from the Alpes-Maritimes region gathered at Place Masséna in Nice to voice their concerns and seek support and financial aid. These groups, many of which are run entirely by volunteers, described feeling overlooked and underfunded. Jeannethe Valdès, coordinator of PAZ (Projet Animaux Zoopolis), emphasized that the volunteers often dedicate their entire lives to helping animals, yet they remain largely unrecognized. The organizations are requesting meetings with the prefect of Nice and the sub-prefect of Grasse, as well as with local mayors. They pointed out that not all groups receive government subsidies and must rely on donations and membership fees. Valdès criticized the Nice city hall for its lack of response to their repeated communications, noting that PAZ has written many letters without receiving any reply. The associations are calling for greater attention and a more rigorous enforcement of the 2021 law aimed at preventing animal cruelty. They also highlighted a significant increase in the number of animals rescued this summer, with nearly 10,000 animals collected by the 64 shelters of the SPA, a record for the season. Aurore Defix, vice-president of One Voice, argued that it is no longer sustainable for volunteer-run organizations to face challenges such as poverty, cruelty, violence, and injustice alone. She urged the creation of a national emergency plan specifically for feline strays, which are often neglected and left to survive on the streets. With the presidential election less than seven months away, the animal protection groups are hoping to bring the issue of animal welfare to the forefront of political discourse. They are advocating for the establishment of a dedicated ministry for animal welfare, a national registry of individuals banned from keeping animals, and stronger legal penalties for animal abandonment. Their goal is to ensure that future policies reflect a greater commitment to protecting animals and providing adequate support to the volunteers who work tirelessly in their care. The gathering in Nice underscores the growing concern among animal protection groups about the challenges they face, both in terms of resources and recognition. As they push for legislative changes and increased public awareness, they hope to influence the upcoming political landscape and secure a better future for animals in France.