Apulia confirms its place as one of Italy's most forward-thinking regions on the subject of animal rights. It does so with the bill on the control of stray animals approved by the Apulian regional council, which repeals a measure dating back to 1995. The new text brings itself into line with recent national legislative developments and incorporates European ones. It also defines the responsibilities of the Region and local councils for the renovation or construction of municipal animal shelters, and sets out the requirements for shelter facilities and the obligations of their managers. It also establishes a register of domestic animals; the Region and local health authorities (ASLs) are required to promote awareness and dissemination of methods for controlling animal reproduction.

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A step forward for animal rights in Apulia

A specific commission will be established in the region, tasked with coordinating, overseeing and monitoring the measures required to implement the law. It has also been established that the activities of animal protection associations registered on the regional roll must be non-profit-making. The exhibition and sale of dogs and cats, as well as training and education, are also regulated. Animals are permitted free access to gardens, parks, public spaces, commercial premises and means of transport.

The new legislation provides for the appointment by local councils of a stray animal coordinator, tenders for the management of shelters on a qualitative basis, a ban on transferring animals to shelter facilities outside their home province, and, crucially, the impossibility of adopting a dog for anyone who has received a conviction for mistreatment of animals and/or people.

Provision is made for the possibility of sterilising at ASL facilities animals that had not been sterilised in a shelter prior to adoption, the activation of an online section where photos and data of dogs taken off the streets can be published, free health treatments and sterilisations for dogs on livestock farms, and the possibility for associations to enter into agreements for birth limitation interventions. Finally, the ban on tethering is enshrined — one of the most abhorrent practices as regards the health and welfare of dogs. All in all, then, this amounts to a truly progressive set of regulations, which seek to cover every aspect of animal protection and the prevention of mistreatment towards them.

Animal rights advocates express their satisfaction

The Apulian bill has met with unanimous praise from Italy's leading animal rights organisations. Carla Rocchi, national president of Enpa, for instance, commented that the law approved in Apulia truly stands out within the national landscape on animal protection. Congratulations also went to the President of the Apulia Region, Michele Emiliano, who — according to Enpa — has understood that stray animals and animal mistreatment are to be prevented and combated by focusing on prevention and the wellbeing of our four-legged friends. The Apulian example represents a landmark in the world of animal rights: the hope is that other regions in our country will soon move to align themselves with Apulia in this regard.