Protecting animals and their rights is the goal of Rome's new regulations: here is what they provide for, in order to live better alongside them and to establish a closer coexistence with nature.
The new animal welfare regulations approved by the municipal council in Rome still have to pass scrutiny by the Capitoline Assembly, but they already unequivocally set out a series of essential guidelines for the wellbeing of our four-legged friends. The document partly draws on the set of rules approved by the Campidoglio in 2005 at the proposal of the then councillor — today a senator for the Democratic Party — Monica Cirinnà. However, it goes further, completing the picture with fundamental proposals for the protection of animal rights in the capital.
"Entire sections deal with the concept of safety. Both for animals and for those of us who live with them," explains Edgar Meyer, the delegate responsible for animal welfare at Rome Capital's Department of Environmental Sustainability. "There are articles against poisoned baits, for instance, and those concerning shops selling toxic substances, which will be required to 'record the personal details of purchasers' and retain the data for three years. A necessary measure to quickly trace those who — it has already happened in Rome — make and scatter lethal baits in parks and along pavements to get rid of dog faeces and excrement. As for human protection, owners of dogs 'at high risk of aggression' will be required to take out insurance to cover any attacks."
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The regulations seek to address, specifically, many issues close to the hearts of those who share their lives and leisure time with animals. In particular, efforts have been made to focus on key themes shaped also, and above all, by the customs and habits of the capital. The classic "cat lady", for instance, is a thing of the past. In her place come "tutors" of feral cat colonies recognised by the local health authority (Asl).
"In the case of feral cat colonies, the same Office will verify the suitability of the site identified for temporary relocation and may intervene with any further measures to ensure the animals' welfare," the regulation states. The new location must be situated in an area adjacent to the original site, unless there are risks to the health and safety of the cats, and must be able to accommodate all members of the feral cat colony in question. The associations and tutors caring for the colony must also be allowed, in the most appropriate manner, to continue feeding and looking after the animals. A different way, therefore, of legitimising those who spend their time and money preserving the community of Rome's feline population. To feed abandoned cats, for instance, it will be possible to use leftovers from school canteens. This will prevent waste and help street cats continue to lead a free life, yet one that is protected and in full wellbeing.
"From the old regulations, the ban on begging in the street with dogs in tow has also been carried over. In all these cases, fines of up to €480 and above are risked," Meyer continues. But that is not all, because the measure that will go before the city council in the coming weeks also contains a series of general provisions, such as microchipping for cats accustomed to living both indoors and outdoors and for pet rabbits. As well as penalties for those who allow their dog to bark at night, leave it on a terrace for more than six consecutive hours, or fail to provide it with a regulation-compliant kennel for shelter.
Among the provisions that will come into effect with the new regulations there is also a very important chapter: the one concerning the rescue of dogs, cats, foxes and other animals hit by vehicles, or simply found injured at the roadside after an accident. Fines and penalties will apply to anyone who fails to stop and assist animals that have been struck, and who does not provide them with immediate help.
"The bodies that own the roads must install appropriate signage to indicate animal crossings, specifying — by means of a dedicated stylised figure — the species present in the territory at each individual crossing, as required by the Highway Code," Meyer continues. "On noise-absorbing panels and glass surfaces, an adequate number of anti-collision silhouettes must also be applied for the purpose of protecting birds."
In short, Rome's regulations seek to resolve the contentious aspects of coexistence between humans and animals, establishing rules while at the same time prompting reflection on the right relationship with the environment and nature that surrounds us. A model for a new way of living what is sometimes a difficult relationship? One would hope so — a decisive step forward towards an ever greater understanding of animal rights and, why not, human ones too.