At a time when the municipal election campaign is in full swing, and uncertainty is running high in some major cities (Paris, Marseille, Toulon…), Ifop has observed that the French have high expectations of their next mayor, with safety and healthcare in the forefront of their minds, closely linked to sources of concern to the French (the fight against drug trafficking, the perceived deterioration of public hospitals, medical deserts…). Today, mayors are expected to take action in a number of areas, suffering from a crisis in policy results on a national scale, and the animal condition is no exception…
A. The condition of animals: a theme perceived as major by the French in terms of municipal action
Nearly half of French people (51%) consider that a candidate’s stance or measures in favor of the animal cause would be likely to encourage them to vote for him or her.
There are differences according to age: young people (67% of under-35s) are more sensitive than seniors (41%), as are “pet owners” (63% vs. 37% among French people who don’t own pets). There is no difference according to geographical location or level of education.
In addition to socio-demographic variables, partisan proximity is also a factor. 66% of left-wing supporters (including 74% of LFI and Ecologistes supporters) consider that a candidate’s stance or announced measures in favor of the animal cause would be likely to encourage them to vote for him/her, compared with 35% of those close to the Republicans and 51% of Rassemblement National supporters.
A majority of French people (58%) also consider “the integration of animals in cities and the improvement of the animal condition” to be important or even a priority for their municipality.
This opinion is held by the majority in all age categories, with higher results among young people (63% among the under-35s). The importance of the theme is transparent, with higher results among LFI (61%) and especially ecologist (71%) supporters, which can be explained by the younger and more urban structure of these parties, but also by greater sensitivity to environmental issues. Pet “owners” are also over-represented (67%).
It should be noted that there is a hard core of one French person in five for whom the theme is of great importance, with 18% saying that the theme will be “completely” important in their vote.
B. The mayor – a trusted local player for the animal condition – is expected by the French to develop projects and initiatives
Municipalities – local and trusted players – meet this high expectation of the French when it comes to the animal condition, since 76% of them are satisfied with their municipality’s work on the subject.
Although satisfaction is in the majority everywhere, there are generational differences: 63% of 18-24 year-olds say they are satisfied, compared with 77% of those aged 65 and over.
This higher “dissatisfaction” among 18-24 year-olds suggests that the hard core of animal welfare supporters is not only more demanding of candidates, but also of the outgoing municipal team.
Despite this high level of satisfaction, the French are looking to local authorities to develop projects and initiatives. All the measures tested in our survey meet with the approval of a very large majority of French people. Measures concerning stray animals are the most popular (88% support for “improved management of stray animals” and 85% for sterilization of stray cats), showing that despite overall satisfaction, municipalities still have room for improvement in managing this issue.
The expectations of the French are lower for the appointment of an elected municipal official to deal with animal issues (65%), but remain clearly in the majority.
This measure is more strongly supported by pet owners (75%) than non-owners (54%).
C. The French want the animal cause to be given greater prominence in the municipal election campaign
Proof of this interest in the animal cause, the French expect candidates to talk more about the animal condition. A majority of French people (57% in general and 58% in their city) feel that candidates talk “not enough” or “not at all” about this subject.
This perceived shortcoming is greater among 18-24 year-olds (73% vs. 51% among 65 year-olds) and among ecologist sympathizers (77%).
There are also gender differences: 51% of men feel that not enough is being said about the animal condition in their city during the municipal election campaign, versus 64% of women.
