In Milan, animals matter. And for their wellbeing, new avenues and different approaches are being sought, all aimed at an ever-improving relationship between humans and their four-legged companions. With the very recent regulation on the welfare and protection of dogs, cats, horses, birds and ferrets, the Lombard metropolis takes a decisive step forward in the direction of improving the condition of animals. The new measure by the Municipality of Milan covers not only health and wellbeing, but also pet therapy (including the so-called Iaa, i.e. Animal-assisted interventions), as well as the trade and public events involving pets. Also addressed are matters relating to the knowledge and specific aptitudes of animals that have by now become irreplaceable presences in the urban environment.

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Milan, specific rules for animal health

It is precisely in the field of health that the new regulation reserves one of its most incisive provisions. It declares, in fact, that the owner/keeper of companion animals who fails to guarantee them "veterinary care, whenever health conditions require it and for routine prophylactic activity" may be sanctioned, as may the failure to provide "care guaranteed by veterinary doctors adequately trained in the veterinary medicine of the various species treated". The fine, in the event of non-compliance, ranges from 150 to 500 euros. The owner must fulfil this and the other obligations set out in the regulation "in an appropriate manner, taking into account physiological, ecological and ethological needs, in accordance with acquired experience and scientific knowledge regarding the species, breed, age and sex."

Among the other sanctionable obligations is that of ensuring the animal "social interactions, in accordance with species-specific behavioural characteristics." Also very important is the obligation relating to identification. In the course of their professional activity, self-employed practitioners — as well as public veterinarians — are required to verify that dogs, cats and ferrets are identified and registered with the regional registry of companion animals. In the absence of an identification mark, or where it is illegible, veterinary doctors must inform owners or keepers of their obligations regarding identification and registration. If these individuals do not consent to identification, veterinarians are required to notify Ats (Azienda di tutela della salute). Failure to identify and register an animal may cost the owner a fine of between 40 and 240 euros.

The licence for owners and the special licence for at-risk breeds

To promote a better understanding of dogs and their world, the Municipality of Milan promotes, in collaboration with the Ats and the Order of Veterinary Surgeons, the training programme for the Dog Owner's Licence (Decree of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policy, 26/11/2009), aimed at all owners and their family members or cohabitants who occasionally or regularly care for the dog.

To promote a better knowledge of breeds and to prevent negligent and harmful behaviour in their management, a specific chapter is dedicated to the Special Dog Licence for 27 breeds and their crossbreeds. To obtain this certification, it will be necessary to attend a specific three-day course which, in addition to exploring topics relating to handling and behaviour, will also cover those relating to the animal's welfare and socialisation.

For newly acquired dogs, the obligation applies from six months after the regulation enters into force. This also applies in the case of adoptions or fostering through the Municipality of Milan's Parco Canile. For dogs purchased or adopted before the regulation enters into force, the Special Dog Licence must be obtained within 24 months of the measure coming into force. Those in breach will be punished with an administrative fine of between 150 and 500 euros, along with the ancillary sanction of being required to have the dog wear a muzzle until the Licence is obtained.