Stray animal numbers across the country are falling, while adoptions from kennels are rising. This is shown by data released by the Ministry of Health, submitted by Italy's regions and autonomous provinces, with the note that figures for Sicily and Calabria for 2020 have not yet been published. There are fewer admissions to municipal kennels and more adoptions of dogs and cats. It is an improving trend that reinforces the perception of a renewed interest in domestic animals and their rights.

Stray animals in Italy

In 2020, 76,192 animals entered municipal kennels and 42,665 entered shelters (in 2019 the figures were 86,982 and 45,695 respectively). Dogs adopted in total numbered 42,360 and cats sterilised 61,749 (in 2019 the figures were 29,512 and 61,588 respectively).

"When comparing the figures for 2020 and 2019, account must nonetheless be taken of the lockdown period, which made regional monitoring more difficult and perhaps hampered the rescue of many animals, despite the efforts of volunteers and associations," commented Massimo Comparotto, president of Oipa (Organizzazione internazionale protezione animali).

In 2020, Oipa rehomed 3,586 animals (3,105 in 2019), rescued and treated 3,672 (1,503 dogs, 1,773 cats and 396 of other species, compared with 3,272 in 2019), and collected 31,290 kilograms of dry and wet food (24,098 in 2019). All encouraging figures with regard to the problem of stray animals in our country.

"This is a very positive result, made possible both by the growing number of volunteers and by the greater sensitivity shown by people towards homeless dogs and cats," Comparotto added. It remains to be seen whether the current year will also record the same positive trend and whether we will truly see a different conception of domestic animals and the role they play in families.