How to help abandoned animals

A silent massacre, with 127 abandonments a day. The new law punishes those so cruel and inhumane with prison sentences.

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What to do in case of abandoned animals
The devastation and waste of animals abandoned on the streets, primarily dogs and cats, doesn't appear to be slowing down. However, since the fall of 2024, thanks to a successful reform of the Highway Code approved by Parliament, those who commit such reckless acts will be severely punished: fines ranging from €1.000 to €10.000, license suspension from six months to a year (if the offense is committed with a car), and prison sentences of up to one year. Unfortunately, statistics (in this case, data provided by ENPA, the Italian Animal Welfare Agency) tell us that 127 animals are abandoned every 24 hours in Italy, and 80 percent of them are condemned to death. A shocking rate.

ENPA Latiano – A Story of Animal Love from Paola Ghislieri on Vimeo.

Abandoned animals in Italy

How can one explain such ferocity? Pets require time and money, and Italians are, as we have written, a "bestial" people, especially in times of economic crisis. On paper, considering how many we have in our homes, we love animals; in reality, often, too often, we become very cruelAnd this despite the fact that places where dogs and cats can enter without any problems are increasing everywhere, from public places to beach resorts, workplaces, and hospitals. But what should we do when we find ourselves faced with an abandoned dog or cat? Who should we turn to? And first and foremost: how can we help them without slipping into the trap of...hell of indifferenceHere are all the useful tips.

What to do to help them

While we hope this doesn't happen, Here are all the instructions on how to behave when faced with an abandoned animal, how to assist it if it is injured and the useful numbers to contact:

  • To begin with, it is good to know that an abandoned dog or cat often appears disoriented and scared, compared to strays You'll notice that it's clean and well-groomed, moves in a confused manner, and sometimes chases passersby. Once you spot it, try to approach it calmly so as not to frighten it further, and immediately provide it with water and food.
  • Once you've secured your pet, check to see if it has a tag so you can determine if it's lost and, if necessary, return it to its owner. At the same time, contact your local police station and request the direct intervention of the local veterinary service or animal welfare volunteers, also to check if the animal has a microchip that can be used to trace its owner.
  • If you notice the animal is injured, immediately call the veterinary service of the local health authority. If the animal is in difficulty, such as a cat stuck in a tree or on a roof from which it can no longer climb down, immediately contact the fire department, as they specialize in this type of intervention.
  • If you witness a dog or cat hit by a car, please note that the new Highway Code requires you to assist animals involved in a road accident. Therefore, stop and provide assistance and immediately contact a veterinarian, the local police, the Carabinieri, and the local branch of ENPA (National Animal Protection Agency).
  • It often happens that the driver flees after hitting the animal. In this case, if you can, immediately write down the license plate number and then provide immediate assistance to the animal, if necessary, immediately seeking veterinary assistance. Also, don't hesitate to report the incident to the police.
  • Through the portal Veterinary facilities You can also quickly identify clinics in your area, including those that offer 24-hour care.
  • Animal abandonment is a crime under Law 189/2004. Anyone who abandons an animal can be punished with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to €10.

Useful Numbers

Below are useful numbers and associations to contact for assistance to abandoned animals:

Abandoned dogs up for adoption

Fortunately for us and for them, abandoned dogs, if rescued, can join a dense network of associations, Facebook groups, and municipal shelters offering adoptions. In fact, it's always best to adopt a dog before buying one. Friends with a tail, for example, is a group of volunteers with a Facebook page that is always very updated, which offers photos and conditions of the dogs up for adoption. Adopt a dog in Rome It's an excellent Facebook page for those who want to adopt a dog in Lazio, while in Lombardy you can visit the website page Milan kennel park dedicated specifically to adoptions. Generally, in all regions and major cities there are groups and associations that allow you to adopt a dog. The important thing is to want to do it.

The Story of Michael Baines

For years Every day Michael goes out into the streets of Chonburi, a city about 100 km from Bangkok, and brings with him biscuits and food for 80 abandoned dogs.It is thanks to his commitment that these animals manage to survive in a country that does not pay them due attention and where cases of poisoningIn Bangkok alone, there are as many as 300,000 abandoned dogs. His journey to feed the strays begins early in the morning when he goes to work and continues in his spare time until he returns home. And once a month, Michael also tries to provide the animals with a remedy to keep parasites at bay. He covers all the costs himself, thanks to a few small private donations. And when one of his little friends needs treatment, Michael takes it in at the back of the restaurant until it recovers. And he has also managed to get several four-legged friends adopted, not counting his own dogs, nine of them, all adopted from the streets of Chonburi. Michael's gesture is significant: The video shows images of his daily journey to feed abandoned dogs..

Stray animals in Italy

Due to the abandonment of dogs and cats, stray animals in Italy have become a phenomenon completely out of control. According to a report prepared by the Italian League for the Defense of Animals and the Environment, Stray dogs are thought to be between 600 and 700, while stray cats reach the figure of 2,4 million animals..

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