Italian municipalities tighten dog access rules in parks and streets

In the town of Capannoli (Santo Pietro Belvedere), Fratelli d'Italia councilor Giacomo Citi and party coordinator Mattia Cei presented a motion to amend a 2015 ordinance that bans dogs from the park playground. The proposal would permit dogs on a short leash (maximum 1.5 m) but imposes strict responsibilities: owners must pick up solid waste, wash liquid waste, install clear signage and dedicated waste bins, and face penalties for non‑compliance. Citi argued, “Il divieto assoluto oggi non ha più senso.”

Meanwhile, Imola’s municipal council approved a new Urban and Rural Police Regulation that strengthens animal‑welfare requirements and public‑cleanliness standards. Dog owners are required to carry bags and a bottle of water to clean both solid and liquid waste, and the ordinance also bans street begging, window washing at traffic lights and enforces a “polluter‑pays” principle for any damage to public property.