Italy modernises hunting law to update wildlife protection rules

The Italian Senate is reviewing a draft amendment to the 1992 hunting law, aiming to bring regulations up to date after three decades. Advocates say the reform does not cancel existing protections but aligns management with current ecological, agricultural and territorial realities.

Maurizio Zipponi, president of the National Hunting and Nature Committee, stressed that the bill does not introduce beach hunting, hunting in national parks or urban areas, and that protected zones remain off‑limits. Regional plans will continue to define where hunting is allowed.

Senators from Fratelli d’Italia highlighted additional measures: tougher penalties for poaching, new rules on wolves and invasive species such as pigeons, and provisions to combat animal diseases like African swine fever, aligning the law with EU standards.