Italy's Carabinieri NAS reports 21% irregularities in national pet‑food inspections

The Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Health (NAS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, completed a nationwide pet‑food inspection campaign from 23 March to 30 June 2026. Out of 275 inspections, 58 (about 21%) revealed irregularities, leading to 56 people reported to administrative and health authorities, four criminal violations for fraud and falsified documents, 88 administrative violations and fines totaling €129,773. Authorities seized more than 60,800 kg of pet food, blocked 200,790 packages, confiscated 15 veterinary medicines and shut down two production sites for serious hygiene and authorization deficiencies, with total economic impact estimated at €1.7 million.

On 17 July 2026 the Regione Puglia issued Determina Dirigenziale n. 216 establishing a new Regional Commission for Stray Animals (Randagismo). Chaired by Prof. Antonio Vito Francesco Di Bello, the commission includes veterinary and medical officials and a representative of animal‑protection associations. Its mandate is to coordinate, supervise and control measures for the protection of companion animals and to prevent stray‑animal proliferation, beginning with drafting internal regulations and strengthening canine register monitoring, sterilisation programmes and control actions across the region.