The Court of Lecce, Second Criminal Section, sentenced a defendant for animal abandonment to a fine of €5,000, as well as to pay damages to the plaintiff—an association for the protection of animals from any form of mistreatment—and court costs.

According to investigations, the defendant left his dog on a small balcony on the third floor of the building where he lives, in a space completely inadequate for the animal's needs. The animal was exposed to the elements and sometimes even tied to a rope. The Court explains that the animal, who had always displayed extreme suffering and loneliness, died after falling from the balcony, likely due to the presence of a bench placed close to the railing.

The Court, a statement explains, applied Law No. 189 of July 20, 2004, "Provisions concerning the prohibition of animal abuse and their use in clandestine fights or unauthorized competitions," with which the legislator expanded the protection of animals, considering them living beings eligible for direct protection. Among the most significant changes, in addition to increased penalties, the reform amended the Criminal Code, inserting a new section addressing crimes against animal sentiment. This led, on the one hand, to the introduction of a new crime—animal abuse —and, on the other, to the reformulation of the crime of animal abandonment, in line with growing public awareness on the issue.

(Unioneonline)

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