Overview

• Italy’s new Brambilla law, in force since July 1, raises penalties for crimes against animals, with prison terms up to four years in cases involving sadism or prolonged violence.
• The penal code section is renamed to center protections on animals themselves, and senior officials marked the day with messages on responsibility, rights, and adoption appeals.
• Veterinarians counter persistent care myths by stressing regular checkups, adult vaccine boosters, dental hygiene, continuous antiparasitic prevention, and tailored care for senior dogs.
• Shelter systems remain under pressure, with the latest Ministry of Health data to end-2022 showing tens of thousands of canine entries and operators warning of limited capacity.
• A sizable pet economy nearing €7 billion and roughly 9 million dogs in Italy drive booming product lines, even as advocates call for education and prevention over one-day gestures.