Effective legislation eliminates stray dogs from Italy's streets

Record ID: 1948551

  • Title: Effective legislation eliminates stray dogs from Italy's streets
  • Date: 4th June 2024
  • Summary: Effective legislation eliminates stray dogs from Italy's streets SHOTLIST MILAN, ITALY (RECENT MAY, 2024) (AAVN – ACCESS ALL) 1. STRAY DOGS IN SHELTER BARKING 2. WORKER HOLDING DOG’S LEASH / WORKER AND DOG ENTERING SHELTER 3. WOMAN KNEELING ON GROUND, PLACING SUNGLASSES ON DOG’S FACE, SMILING AND PETTING DOG 4. MAN HOLDING GOG’S LEASH AS DOG FORAGES ON GRASS 5. WORKER AND STRAY DOG WALKING OUT OG SHELTER / DOG BARKING / WORKER FIXING LEASH ON DOG 6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) MILAN CITY COUNCILOR IN CHARGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, ELENA GRANDI SAYING: "In reality, we can say that Milan is quite a happy island, actually, compared to most of northern Italy in relation to southern Italy, when it comes to the issue of stray dogs. Obviously, it's an issue we've always tried to tackle. We have facilities, such as the one we're in right now, which represents excellence, even though it alone isn't sufficient to cover all needs. However, between the municipal kennel and a number of private kennels scattered throughout the metropolitan area or even within the Parco Sud area, we're in a good spot. There isn't really a problem of stray dogs in Milan. There's the issue of dogs belonging to homeless people, for example, which can be a category of dogs that may suffer because they're in a borderline situation, especially when a person can no longer take care of them, and we know how attached these dogs are to their owners. Additionally, there's the issue of dangerous breeds, which are becoming increasingly common. Objectively, this is a bit of a limiting factor for adoptions." 7. WHITE FLASH 8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) MILAN CITY COUNCILOR IN CHARGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, ELENA GRANDI SAYING: "Indeed, it's true that over the years, the number of dangerous or difficult breeds in our shelter has progressively increased, and this is a problem because adoptions, which have recently picked up again at a good pace, are certainly affected. For instance, if someone has a family with children and wants to adopt a dog from the shelter, they are likely to choose a mutt or a dog from less dangerous or problematic breeds over a molosser or a pit bull." 9. WORKER CLEANING DOG SHELTER BY SPRAYING WATER 10. WORKERS STANDING NEXT TO SHELTER, TOUCHING DOOR, AS DOGS BEHIND DOORS BARK 11. SIGN ON SHELTER READING INFORMATION ABOUT STRAY DOG 12. WORKER SPEAKING, SHOWING DOGS IN SHELTER AS DOG BARK 13. WORKERS SPEAKING TO CAMERA, HOLDING PAPERS 14. DOGS IN SHELTER (2 SHOTS) 15. ANOTHER WORKER PLAYING WITH DOG UNDER TREE 16. MAN WALKING WITH ANOTHER STRAY DOG AAVN SCRIPT: In Italy, the presence of stray animals on the streets and in alleys is significantly minimized, thanks to the 1991 law number “281”. This legislation introduced comprehensive measures such as mandatory neutering policies, municipality-supported shelters, and the implantation of microchips. Law 281, comprising nine articles, was adopted by the Italian parliament in 1991 and is recognized as one of the pioneering laws in Europe aimed at preventing the abandonment and mistreatment of animals. The law addresses various aspects, including: • Encouraging the protection of pets by the state. • Penalizing mistreatment and abandonment of animals. • Prohibiting the use of animals in experimental tests. • Allowing euthanasia only for incurably ill or exceptionally aggressive animals. • Establishing a dog registration system. • Assigning more responsibilities to local administrations. • Addressing criminal and financial liabilities for non-compliance Speaking to Anadolu, Elena Grandi, Milan City Councilor in charge of Environmental Affairs, emphasized the effectiveness of these measures in Milan. She noted that Milan has successfully tackled the issue of stray dogs, particularly when compared to other parts of Italy. The city boasts excellent facilities, including municipal and private kennels, which ensure that stray dogs are well-managed. However, she highlighted specific challenges, such as caring for dogs belonging to homeless individuals and dealing with the increasing number of dangerous breeds like molossers and pit bulls, which complicate adoption efforts. Law 281 plays a crucial role in reducing the number of stray animals in Italy, promoting animal welfare, and ensuring that abandoned or mistreated animals receive proper care and protection. Writing by Sibel Uygun
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