Italy passes new animal‑protection law with heavy fines and dog‑chaining ban

A large demonstration took place in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, organized by animal‑rights groups such as Leidaa, ENPA, OIPA and Gaia Animali e Ambiente, to celebrate a newly approved law that strengthens protection for animals. The legislation imposes fines of up to €60,000 for killing an animal and €30,000 for mistreatment, and introduces a national prohibition on keeping dogs on chains, extending earlier regional bans.

Speakers at the event included politicians and cultural figures such as Michela Vittoria Brambilla, Susanna Tamaro, Dacia Maraini and Vittorio Feltri. Gaia president Edgar Meyer highlighted that the law also allows immediate custody of abused animals by associations before a court decision, eliminating the previous waiting period.

The law marks a significant step in Italy’s animal‑rights framework, aiming to provide stronger deterrents against cruelty and to improve welfare standards nationwide.