Also in 2025, Strada dei Parchi, under the sponsorship of LNDC Animal Protection, renews its commitment against the abandonment of pets during the summer months.
A reckless, uncivilized and cruel act, but also a serious crime
The abandonment of dogs on roads and highways is a sadly widespread scourge in Italy, especially during the summer period. Like every summer, in fact, dramatic numbers are feared: more than 85,000 dogs and 80,000 cats are abandoned in Italy every year.
Abandoning an animal is not only an act of profound cruelty and manifest incivility. It is a crime punishable by arrest or heavy administrative fines, as it also poses a real risk to everyone’s road safety.
Article 727 of the Criminal Code punishes the abandonment of domestic animals with imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 euros. The new Highway Code provides for an increase in the prescribed penalty if the abandonment occurs on the road or its appurtenances, and suspension of the license from six months to one year if the offense is committed with the use of a vehicle.
If you witness an abandonment, report it immediately to Law Enforcement, which is required to take prompt action, and concurrently to LNDC Animal Protection’s Legal Desk by sending an e-mail to avvocato@lndcanimalprotection.org. In order for the report and subsequent complaint to be effective, it is imperative that you provide as many details as possible as well as photos/videos.
Make the right choice for them
When we go on vacation, there are two main alternatives for our four-legged friends: take them with us or leave them at home by entrusting them to trusted people or a pet boarding house. The best choice depends on our pet’s needs, the type of vacation, and preferences and availability that may vary from person to person.
Taking the dog on vacation
A choice that certainly reduces separation stress for both us and the dog, creates a more familiar and reassuring environment, and allows us to share experiences together. But it requires careful planning to find pet-friendly accommodations and activities, and could be stressful if our dog is not used to traveling or if the vacation spot is not suited to his needs. Our advice is to prefer pet-friendly destinations and accommodations, planning pet-friendly activities, bringing all the necessities (food, bowls, toys, leash, etc.) and inquiring about local rules for dogs.
Leaving the dog at home
If a brief separation is unavoidable, it is certainly preferable for the dog to remain in his familiar environment, reducing the stress of change, a place where he can be entrusted to trusted people who know him well: dog sitters, friends or relatives. The advice is to entrust the dog to someone who can devote time and attention to him, preparing everything necessary for him (food, bowls, toys, etc.). The presence of someone who will take care of their well-being during our absence can be continuous or limited to a certain number of hours, the important thing is that our friend does not suffer loneliness, even for a few hours a day, and is always in a protected, clean and comfortable environment. But always remember that a rehearsal before departure is essential to avoid nasty surprises.
Choosing a dog boarding house
For those who do not have trusted people to whom they can entrust their four-legged friend during their brief absence, there are specialized facilities throughout Italy that offer hospitality and care for animals, with the possibility of trial visits to accustom the dog to the environment. It is important to choose a facility that suits their temperament and needs, making time to check spaces, hygienic conditions and food. Therefore, it is essential to make time to visit these facilities to let them acclimatize in our presence before saying goodbye to leave.
In general, if the dog is sociable, used to traveling and the vacation location is suitable, taking him with us can be a good experience. On the other hand, if our friend is more shy, does not like travel, or the vacation location is not ideal, leaving him at home with someone trustworthy or in a well-run boarding house may be the best choice. We need to carefully consider the dog’s needs and different options before making a decision.
But remember: the best choice is the one that ensures your dog’s well-being, so take the time to weigh all the options and make the right choice for him.
