Spaying and Neutering Programs Italy

In Italy, the suffering amongst cats and dogs is immense. An animal protection law was passed in 1991 with the aim of protecting our four-legged friends. It stipulates that dogs must be identified and registered and declares the mistreatment or abandonment of pets a criminal offense. It obliges the state to control the population, stating that euthanasia of dogs and cats is only permitted in cases of extreme aggression or incurable suffering. According to the law, dogs must be caught and placed in animal shelters. Cats are to be caught, neutered and released. In 2004, the law was supplemented with a norm that qualifies cruelty to animals as a criminal offense. Unfortunately, as in many other countries, the law, which is supposed to protect animals, is mostly just empty words and is rarely enforced. Dogs, and often cats, vegetate in huge animal shelters in the worst conditions, subsidized by the state. The money that is supposed to be used to care for the animals all too often disappears into the pockets of corrupt authorities or animal shelter operators.

Cat neutering, as required by law, is rarely funded by the state. The waiting times for animal welfare workers to be allowed to neuter a cat are so long that the cat has already given birth to the next offspring.

The situation for Italy’s dogs and cats can only be alleviated through intensive castration programs and help for animal shelters that are willing to give the animals a decent life.

NetAP enables dogs and cats to be neutered on an ongoing basis in several regions of Italy either through its own teams or by covering the costs.

Alleviate current animal suffering and prevent future misery: your donation makes it possible!