« Local Rescue Working to save Parrots in Guyana | Main | The Helpline Herald »
January 05, 2006
Pet monitors on the prowl in Rome
Every dog has its day, and this could be it for every mistreated kitty, pup and parrot in Rome.
Animal monitors are on the prowl, working hard to get officials to apply strict new guidelines that, if enforced, could be the toast of the animal kingdom.
A city ordinance that went into effect late in November gives dogs the right to daily walks and protects stray cats. It slaps fines on Romans who leave their pets in a vehicle in the hot months between April and October or confine their fish to the classic, round bowls instead of a good-sized aquarium.
Breaking the new rules can mean fines of up to AUS$500. More serious offences, such as using animals to beg, can lead to the pet being confiscated.
"Many beggars always have puppies, they buy them on the illegal market for a few euros (dollars)," said Francesca Cantalini, a monitor for Rome's animal rights office. "The puppies are often sedated, so that they don't move around, and when they grow up who knows what happens to them."
FULL STORY!
Posted by sue at January 5, 2006 10:58 AM