Italy has adopted some of the strictest animal protection laws in Europe. Law No. 82, which came into force on July 1, 2025, is the result of a three-year legislative process that began in 2022. This comprehensive reform of the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure significantly increases liability for crimes against animals. The new approach abandons the previous interpretation, where such crimes were viewed through the lens of human empathy. Now, animals are officially recognized as direct victims of crimes — sentient beings with their own legal value.
The reform affects more than a dozen legal provisions, establishing severe penalties for killing, abuse, organizing animal fights, trafficking pets, and crimes against protected wildlife species. Under the new rules, unjustified killing of an animal can result in up to four years in prison and fines of up to €60,000. Organizing animal fights carries similar penalties. New offenses have been introduced, including the online dissemination of photos or videos showing cruelty to animals — particularly when minors are present.
One of the most important changes is the prohibition of destroying or transferring an animal before legal proceedings are concluded. This rule applies even in cases where no formal arrest has been made. It helps preserve evidence and protect the animal's rights throughout the judicial process.
Another major step is the introduction of a nationwide ban on keeping dogs chained — a measure previously regulated only at the regional level. Violators now face fines of up to €5,000. Penalties for abandoning animals have also increased: offenders now face fines between €5,000 and €10,000 or up to one year in jail. If the animal is left on or near a public road, the fine increases by one-third. Moreover, if abandonment involves the use of a vehicle (e.g., throwing an animal out of a car), an additional administrative penalty applies — temporary suspension of the driver’s license for six months to one year. These measures aim to prevent cruelty while also protecting public safety.
The new law allows courts to transfer confiscated animals to the care of organizations officially recognized by the Ministry of Health. These organizations are required to provide financial guarantees for each animal, ensuring proper conditions until the case is closed.
Legal entities are also subject to the new provisions. If a crime is committed in the interest of a company — such as a breeder, retailer, or transporter — the organization may face not only fines but also restrictions, including temporary suspension of operations.
taly has become one of the first European countries to recognize that crimes against animals are not just moral failings but serious criminal offenses with societal consequences. The new law reflects a significant shift in legal consciousness: animals are no longer seen as mere property but as living beings with a right to protection. Law No. 82 marks a step forward not only in legal terms but also ethically.