Ragusa: Animal rights groups oppose deer culling as water infrastructure projects advance

In the Ragusa province of Sicily, animal rights organizations are opposing a regional plan to cull the fallow deer population, which is scheduled to begin on September 1. The LAV association has requested a scientific census of the deer population before any action is taken, proposing a pilot project focused on non-lethal monitoring, surgical sterilization, and relocation instead of extermination. Michela Vittoria Brambilla, president of the Lega Italiana per la Difesa degli Animali e dell’Ambiente, has also criticized the plan, arguing that the population is small and that the species is parautoctona (semi-native) rather than an invasive exotic species.

Separately, Iblea Acque has announced a major investment of over 22 million euros to modernize the provincial water network. The project aims to reduce water loss by up to 25% and recover approximately 4 million cubic meters of water annually by 2029 through digitalization and the installation of 18,000 smart meters.

In Pozzallo, the local group Sud chiama Nord has raised concerns regarding water quality and transparency. The group reported that the most recent published analysis for the Contrada Inchiudenda reservoir dates back to May 2026, noting that chloride levels in that sample exceeded the legal limit for human consumption. They are calling for more frequent and transparent data updates from Iblea Acque and local authorities.