Animal welfare and rights in Italy

On November 13 1987, Italy signed he European Convention on the protection of pets, a treaty of the Council of Europe for Companion Animals ensuring minimum protection standards are met.

A legislative decree No.281/1991 implemented states the standards for the treatment of companion and stray animals. For it states that an owner must register dogs, and anyone who abandons their animals will be fined. It also prohibits the killing of stray dogs and cats unless the animal is affected by an incurable disease or is a proven danger. These killings can only be performed by a veterinarian.

Following the death of a popular rescue dog named Kaos who saved people during the August 2016 Central Italy earthquake, animal rights activists including the organization Animalisti Italiani have called for strengthened civil rights for non-human animals.[2]

Italy's first arrest for animal mistreatment occurs when a man repeatedly tossed his dog into wall injuring its back. [3]

The Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes conveys to the farming community conditions for all species of animals kept for the production of food, wool, skin, fur, etc. The law states that animals should be provided with food, water, care and any other factor needed to satisfy the overall well- being of the animal. Animals should be given the freedom of movement of animals and satisfactory environmental conditions. Also animals, that require the constant attention of humans should be inspected at least once a day. In the event of breeding, no procedure that is likely to cause suffering or harm must not be carried out. No animal should be kept for farming purposes if it is considered a danger to their health.[1]

In Italy, Legislative Decree No. 146/2001  implements Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. Animals are defined as being any animal, including fish, reptiles and amphibians bred or kept for the production of foodstuffs, wool, leather, furs or for other agricultural purpose. The Decree excludes invertebrates and experimental animals, animals living in the wild, and animals destined to participate in competitions, exhibitions, events, cultural/sporting events.[1]

All individuals involved in the transportation of live animals entering or leaving the EU should not transport animals or cause animals to be transported in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them. Long journeys, exceeding a maximum of 8 hours are prohibited unless the means of transport has been inspected and approved under Article 18.[4]

At the time of slaughter, animals should be spared any unbearable pain or suffering. Animals should be stunned prior to being slaughtered, ensuring animals are unconscious until death. Workers should take in consideration that unconsciousness is maintained throughout the whole process.[4]

Zoos should be licensed and should implement conservation measures. The maintenance of a high standard of animal husbandry suited to he individual needs of each animal is required. Stress-free Environmental factors such as zoo enclosure sizes, temperature and furnishing are important for animal welfare. Animal welfare transportation laws are applicable. Wild Animals will be given the chance to adapt to transportation before departures. [4]

Keeping animals in conditions ‘incompatible with their nature’ and producing ‘grave suffering’ is prohibited.