Italy's animal protection agencies tackle hotline gaps in Udine and launch anti‑abandonment campaign in Verona

The Italian Animalist Party in Friuli‑Venezia Giulia reported that the regional wildlife‑rescue hotline (800 961969) often fails to answer calls, especially in the late‑afternoon, leaving citizens to transport injured animals themselves. The party has asked regional authorities to verify staffing levels, test the number’s functionality after 16:00 and consider alternative contact methods such as instant messaging and call‑back options.

In Verona, Federfarma and the local ENPA chapter started a public‑information drive titled “Non buttarlo via. Non è un rifiuto.” The campaign places flyers and a code of conduct in participating pharmacies to educate the public on how to handle abandoned or mistreated animals, including exotic and wild species. Officials say the initiative responds to a seasonal rise in abandonment reports and aims to improve animal welfare across the province and its surrounding municipalities.