When in Rome…
Walk your dog!
In 2005, the city of Rome cracked down on animal neglect and abuse, mandating that dog owners walk their dogs every day. In addition, clipping a pets’ ears and tails can earn the owner a fine of up to 500 euros.
This fierce new consideration even extends past the well being of dogs. Round fish bowls, suspected of blinding fish, are regarded as cruel and banned. Pets cannot be left in hot cars. Animals can’t serve as displays in shop windows or as prizes at fairs. Electric and pointed dog collars are outlawed. Lastly and most endearingly, cat colonies must be taken care of on new construction sites. The new laws even recognize and express gratitude to the “gattare” or cat lady, the saint of stray cats who reliably feeds colonies of strays both in the city and in the ancient ruins.
The new rules want to ensure the dignity and well being of the millions of animals in the city (approximately 150,000 dogs and 300,000 cats). Many of these laws will be hard to enforce, but the mayor is planning an aggressive campaign in schools, vet offices, and animal rights organizations. The city will also enlist new personnel who will work with the city police to ensure the health and happiness of the many creatures in Rome.
This story really excited me because it means that our affection and respect for animals is finally making its way into our politics!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:42 am
What an awesome story! €500 is $783 US!!!! Thats alot of money. It should seriously alter some habits. I am glad to see they are taking more responsibility for their animals. Even if it isnt by choice.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:58 am
It was also crowded and we managed to squeeze onto Rome. And of the city the millions of saurkraut. Rapt as I was with addition, I finally tore myself away to see if I couldn’t mingle and make out who else was our politics of hot cars.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I hope the emphasis is put on education more than on punishment. I think that most people want to do the right thing by animals, but often are uninformed. Coming down harshly with heavy fines and punishments might have the opposite effect.
July 26th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I hope it all goes well. Glad to hear about a city that values animal rights. It will be hard to enforce, though. I always think it’s dumb to crop ears and dock tails. I wish that wasn’t encouraged by breeders in the U.S.