Bari imposes water‑bottle rule on dog owners, fines up to €300

The municipality of Bari has issued an ordinance requiring all dog owners and temporary caretakers to carry a bottle, sprayer or other water‑containing device to clean liquid waste immediately after the animal urinates. The rule applies to all urban public areas, public‑use fixtures, and private spaces that open onto public ways. It also bans dogs from urinating near building entrances, shop fronts, and parked vehicles. Violators face administrative fines ranging from €100 to €300 and must restore the cleaned area. Exemptions are granted to blind individuals accompanied by guide dogs and to people with disabilities who cannot perform the cleaning. The measure, signed by the mayor and explained by councilor for animal welfare Silvia Russo Frattasi as a "simple rule of common sense," responds to numerous citizen complaints about foul odors during hot, dry weather and aims to improve urban hygiene and public comfort.