Animal welfare and rights in Italy

This article has multiple issues. Please help or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. (August 2019) This article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject. Please help by providing more context for the reader. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2019) The examples and perspective in this article or section might have an extensive bias or disproportional coverage towards one or more specific regions. Please or discuss the issue on the talk page. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) This article or section appears to be slanted towards recent events. Please try to keep recent events in historical perspective and add more content related to non-recent events. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) The examples and perspective in this article may not include all significant viewpoints. Please or discuss the issue. (August 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Animal welfare in Italy refers to how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behavior, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress.^[1]

Italy's Ministry of Health is responsible for animal welfare and each province within Italy has an official appointed to the Office of Animal Rights. Their main objective is to address stray and abandoned animal issues.

History[]

1987[]

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.

1991[]

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]

2006[]

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

Protection Laws[]

Protection for Animals in Farming[]

Rearing[]

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]

Transport[]

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]

Slaughter[]

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]

Animals in Captivity[]

Zoos[]

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]

Private keeping of wild animals[]

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

See also[]

• Italian Animal Welfare Party

References[]