Abandoned dogs and cats, what the new sanctions provide to combat the phenomenon

In the new Highway Code there are more severe penalties for those who abandon animals, such as dogs and cats:fines, license withdrawal and even prison.

• Fines, license withdrawal and prison for those who abandon their pet.
• Also possible aggravating circumstances if the animal causes accidents causing injuries.
• Education of the population is essential to eradicate this phenomenon and protect dogs and cats.

Recent changes to the Traffic Laws they introduced harsher penalties for those who abandon animals, such as dogs and cats, with the aim of combating this phenomenon and improving road safety.Among the new sanctions envisaged are the suspension of the driving license and aggravating circumstances in the event of serious or fatal accidents.

Sanctions to stop those who abandon animals

Abandoning animals it doesn't just provoke unnecessary suffering to animals, innocent spectators of this barbarity, but also represents a serious danger to road safety.The new rules currently being approved provide for stiffer sanctions for those who commit this crime.In particular, those who abandon animals along the road or in its immediate vicinity risks arrest for up to one year, fines from 1,000 to 10 thousand euros, and suspension of driving license from six months to one year if the crime is committed with a vehicle.These rules are part of a broader strategy to combat animal abandonment, a phenomenon that reaches its peak in the summer months.In 2023, more than 127 abandonments were recorded every 24 hours, according to Enpa data, the National Agency for the Protection of Animals.The consequences of this behavior are not only tragic for the animals, who often die of hunger, thirst or being run over, but also for motorists who may find themselves involved in accidents caused by animals on the road.

Aggravating if abandonment causes accidents

One of the most important innovations introduced by the new rules is the specific aggravating circumstance for cases in which the abandonment of an animal causes road accidents with victims or injuries.If an abandoned animal causes an accident resulting in death or serious injury, the person responsible may be prosecuted pursuant to articles 589-bis and 590-bis of the penal code, risking up to seven years in prison.However, some practical critical issues remain, such as the difficulty of demonstrating the exact location of the abandonment, a fundamental element for the application of the rules on road homicide.

Where are we at with the approval of the new highway code?

The revision and updating of the new road code now seems imminent, hopefully by the end of July.The measure was approved by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.Thanks also to the favorable outcome of the State Accounting Office, the process now includes a second passage to the Chamber which will be able to proceed with publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic, making it effective within 15 days.In case of delays, this final phase could be postponed to September, but the goal is to conclude everything before the summer break.

Education is the first weapon against abandonment

The introduction of these sanctions represents a significant step in the fight against animal abandonment and in promoting road safety.This change to the Highway Code is just part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening animal protection measures and improving the safety of our roads.In addition to sanctions, in fact, it is essential to focus on education and raising awareness among the population. Information campaigns and educational initiatives in schools can help develop greater awareness about respect for animals.Collaborations between local authorities, animal rights associations and law enforcement can strengthen control and prevention activities, guaranteeing greater protection for animals and a reduction in risks on the roads.

Could this be the beginning of a turning point?

The strengthening of penalties for abandoning animals could mark the beginning of a series of broader legislative interventions, aimed to protect animal rights.In many countries, attention towards animal welfare is growing, leading to increasingly stringent regulations and greater collective sensitivity.Adopting an integrated approach that combines severe sanctions, education and prevention can represent a winning strategy to reduce animal abandonment and improve coexistence between humans and animals.