"A great victory for Italy and for all animal lovers, even if in Sardinia there is still much to do". With these words, the deputy of Noi Moderati Michela Brambilla celebrates the approval in the Senate in recent days of the law that bears her name. Defined as a reform of "historic importance", it marks a turning point in the protection of animals, recognized as sentient beings and bearers of rights. "Italy is at the forefront compared to other countries, overturning the cultural perspective on the protection of animals", she underlines. However, despite the goal achieved, the road is still long, especially in regions like Sardinia, where every summer the drama of abandonment and stray animals strikes again with force and where the fight against wild animals is increasingly heated. "Hunting in this case is not the solution. We need oral contraceptives for animals and sustainable management of wild fauna".

Fight against abandonment

The new law introduces severe measures against abandonment. "Article 727 of the Criminal Code provides for arrest of up to one year and fines of 5,000 to 10,000 euros," explains Michela Brambilla. The penalties are further increased thanks to an aggravating circumstance in the new Highway Code: if the abandonment occurs on the road or its appurtenances, the fine can increase by up to a third. Furthermore, anyone who abandons an animal using a vehicle risks having their license suspended for six months to a year. The law also includes a ban on keeping dogs on a chain (which the MP calls "medieval"), with fines of up to 5,000 euros, and provides for up to four years in prison for anyone who kills an animal with cruelty.

The emergency in Sardinia

In Sardinia, abandonment and straying are deep wounds. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, "of the total number of dogs hosted in the kennels of the 14 Regions that currently belong to Sinac, the animal registry, over 100,000 specimens, approximately 82 thousand are hosted in just five Regions, Puglia, Calabria, Campania, Sicily and Sardinia. Of these, 17 thousand in Sardinia". A figure that reveals overcrowding and suffering for the animals, and a strong imbalance between North and South.

The role of institutions

To combat stray animals, Michela Brambilla insists on the application of law 281/1991, "which assigns specific tasks to Regions, Municipalities and Local Health Authorities", such as the capture and sterilization of stray animals. "That said, I believe that today the most urgent actions are the promotion of "microchipping" - the obligation is often evaded -, sterilizations and training of owners". On this last point, explains the blue MP, "not enough is being done. We need to spread and root the culture of adoption and responsible ownership. Any campaign is welcome".

The hunt

On the management of wild fauna, such as wild boars that in Sardinia create problems and road risks, Michela Brambilla is categorical: «Hunting is anachronistic and ineffective». The slaughter disperses the herds, increases the offspring and can spread diseases such as swine fever. The solution? «Oral contraceptives, expensive but effective, as recommended by experts, for economic, social and environmental benefits». The “Brambilla Law” «has been hindered by vested interests», reveals the deputy, criticizing the opposition that has tried to block a reform that has been awaited for twenty years. «The saboteurs», concludes Michela Brambilla, «have fared badly».

Veronica Fadda

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