Overview

• Police and prosecutors have issued administrative fines, opened criminal cases and seized animals under the reform that entered into force in early July.
• Authorities levied initial penalties for dogs kept on chains, including a €1,000 fine in Chieti, with additional fines reported and animals entrusted to recognized associations after seizures.
• LEIDAA reports receiving more than 100 tips over the summer, citing heightened public willingness to denounce suspected cruelty.
• The statute increases punishments, including up to four years in prison and €60,000 for killing with cruelty, up to three years and €45,000 for abandonment causing death and up to two years and €30,000 for maltreatment with higher terms if the animal dies.
• Recent cases cited in coverage — Bruno in Taranto, Diego in Fabbrico, Merlino in Naro and Tequila in Gravina di Puglia — are being pursued under the new tools as investigations and prosecutions proceed.