by InTrieste
In a decisive move to curb both animal cruelty and traffic hazards, Italy’s parliament has approved stringent new penalties for motorists who abandon pets by the roadside. The amendments, part of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s Highway Code, were passed on Wednesday by both chambers of parliament and are expected to be signed into law by President Sergio Mattarella within days. The reforms are set to take effect by the end of the year.
Under the new legislation, drivers caught abandoning animals face a license suspension of six months to one year. If an abandoned animal causes a road accident, the driver could face up to seven years in prison.
The measure, championed by Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing road fatalities and improving public safety. Speaking to lawmakers, Salvini condemned the abandonment of pets as “an act of absolute barbarism and incivility,” emphasizing the dangers it poses to both the animals and motorists.
Animal abandonment is a persistent issue in Italy. In 2023, an estimated 85,000 dogs were abandoned, an increase of more than 8 percent from the previous year, according to the environmental advocacy group Legambiente.
Efforts to combat the issue have been growing. Last summer, Italy’s police launched a public awareness campaign reminding citizens that abandoning an animal is a criminal offense, punishable by fines ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 and up to one year in prison.
The newly approved penalties mark a significant escalation in the government’s response to the problem, aligning with broader public concern over animal welfare. Advocates hope the tougher laws will deter would-be offenders while encouraging greater responsibility among pet owners.
This legislative shift comes amid a broader cultural push to promote animal adoption and responsible care. In one notable initiative, Rome recently hosted a dog parade featuring rescue animals in need of homes—a reminder of the many pets still seeking a second chance.
The reforms signal Italy’s commitment to tackling the dual challenges of animal neglect and road safety, setting a strong example for neighboring countries grappling with similar issues.
