A law that fails to distinguish between poverty and exploitation

Last July, Lombardy amended Regional Law No. 33 of 2009 in an effort to combat the serious problem of organized begging involving the exploitation of animals. The change was called for by a group of animal welfare organizations in the region.

Previously, the ban on begging with animals applied only to cases involving puppies or animals that were ill or suffering. Under the amendment, the ban has been extended to include any animal, regardless of its age or state of health.

But the amendment has an important consequence that appears to have been overlooked: it does not distinguish between people who exploit animals for begging and people experiencing homelessness or severe hardship who share a genuine bond with their dog and care for them responsibly.

Since 2021, our Friends on the Streets project has been supporting people living on the streets in Milan with their pets, providing them with food, essential supplies, and basic veterinary care.

As soon as news of the new legislation began to spread, many of the people we support shared their concerns with us: above all, they were afraid that their dogs might be taken away from them.

Faced with the very real possibility that well-loved, well-cared-for dogs supported by our Street Unit could be placed in shelters, we have reached out to the relevant authorities – the Municipality, Municipal Police, Animal Welfare Officers, and the local health authority (ATS) – and asked them to meet with us to discuss how the negative consequences of these new rules could be addressed. In particular, we have proposed an exemption being considered for people who receive regular support from our Street Unit and who can be identified by carrying a dedicated ID card.

Discussions with ATS and the Lombardy Region are still ongoing, and we will keep you updated on any developments.