ITALY: RULES FOR PETS OWNERS APE – Itis Pininfarina

Owning a Dog or Cat The regional Canine Registry Office (Anagrafe Canina Regionale) provides information on registration, loss, dog adoption and regulations governing pet travel in Italy and to other foreign countries. It is obligatory for a dog to be identified by microchip and registered with the local Anagrafe (Registry Office). It is not compulsory for a cat to have an identification chip or tattoo but is a voluntary option for owners. Registration can help to trace the animal or owner if a pet is lost.

Dogs that were tattooed before 1 January 2004 need not be microchipped, but Italian law states that the dog must be tattooed on its body as well as on its ear (tattooing is being phased out in favour of the microchip system, which will be compulsory by 2011). Only registered veterinarians may tattoo or microchip an animal. The vet will issue identification papers.  The owner must register the dog within 45 days of its birth or 10 days from acquiring it. Newcomers to the region should register their dogs within 10 days of arrival. A fine may be imposed for the non-registration of a dog. 

How to register a dog Registration is made at the veterinary services (Servizi Veterinari) of the local ASL. The owner should take: Proof of identity Tax code (codice fiscale)  Proof of the dog's inoculation and proof of microchip (these documents are provided by the vet) The Anagrafe Canina must be notified of a change of ownership, change of address or the death of the animal within 10 days.  All dogs must be kept on a lead in public places and dogs considered dangerous must also wear a muzzle. Dogs on public transport must be on a leash and muzzled.

Pets Lost and Found Dogs must have microchip implanted and be registered with current contact information so that the owners can be traced.  A found dog should be taken to a refuge, police station or vet. The latter two are more likely to be able to read the chip/tattoo and return it to the owner. The ENPA (National Board for Animal Protection) has a lost and found website with pictures and locations of the animals. There is also an area for animals which have been lost (for owners trying to find them).

Dangerous Dogs It is a requirement in Italy for dogs which are classified as "naturally aggressive breeds" to be kept on a lead in public areas and to wear a muzzle. Dangerous dogs must also be covered by Third party insurance.  Dogs included in this classification are:  Pit bull American Bulldog Rottweiler Tosa Inu Fila Brasileiro Dogo Argentino People under 18 or anyone with a criminal record may not own a dangerous breed.

Bibliography: http://rome.angloinfo.com/countries/italy/animals.asp Images free: http://www.coloratutto.it/index.htm ======================================= By: 3CM - Itis Pininfarina