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Italy implements new measures to combat pet abandonment and improve animal health
Italy is seeing shifts in animal welfare trends, characterized by a decrease in illegal abandonments but an increase in legal surrenders. In the Macerata region, shelter coordinators report that microchipping and stricter penalties have successfully reduced abandonment rates. However, there is a rising trend of owners surrendering difficult-to-manage breeds, such as Pitbulls and Amstaffs, to shelters.
In Rome, the abandonment of horses in peripheral areas has highlighted the need for better coordination between local police, veterinary services, and municipal authorities to identify owners through national equine registries.
On a national policy level, Undersecretary of Health Marcello Gemmato is addressing animal health and traceability. Significant medical advancements include the availability of GS-441524 through national pharmacies to treat Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), following previous authorizations for remdesivir. Additionally, the government is working on the Sinac (National Identification System for Pets) to improve traceability and combat abandonment.
Entities
Giacomo Cappelloni · Gli amici del cane · Italy · Marcello Gemmato · SINAC
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There is a growing trend of owners legally surrendering difficult breeds, such as Amstaffs and Pitbulls, due to management challenges. www.ilrestodelcarlino.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The active ingredient GS-441524 for treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is now available through national suppliers and can be ordered via pharmacies. www.laverita.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In June 2025, the use of remdesivir was authorized specifically for the treatment of FIP. www.laverita.info
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Microchipping campaigns, increased controls, and harsher penalties have made animal abandonments rare in Macerata. www.ilrestodelcarlino.it