The opening of the new municipal veterinary shelter will make it possible to sterilise stray dogs and cats, addressing one of the main causes of the problem: uncontrolled reproduction. Preventing new litters means reducing the number of animals destined to be born on the streets, exposed to hunger, disease, accidents and abandonment.

However, OIPA knows that sterilisation alone cannot solve the problem. Animals also need safe places in which to recover, receive care and wait for a permanent family. For this reason, the Municipality of San Michele Salentino, the Local Police and OIPA’s Brindisi section have launched “Una Famiglia per Fido” – “A Family for Fido”.

OIPA Mobilises the Local Community

Through the project, OIPA is calling on residents to offer temporary foster care to dogs waiting to be adopted.

The appeal also extends to people who can temporarily welcome cats following sterilisation, allowing them to recover safely after surgery. Once recovered, the cats may be adopted or returned to their feline colony when their temperament and welfare needs make a free-roaming life in their familiar environment more appropriate.

Temporary foster care is a crucial bridge between life on the streets and adoption. It prevents vulnerable animals from being left without protection and gives volunteers valuable time to find the right family for each of them.

OIPA will stand alongside those who choose to help. Through its pet food donation drives, the organisation will provide food for the animals in foster care, offering concrete support to the families who open their homes and devote their time to an animal in need.

This practical commitment reflects OIPA Italy’s wider mission: not only raising awareness, but also building solutions, supporting volunteers and creating cooperation between citizens and public institutions.

From Individual Help to a Network for Animals

San Michele Salentino is also launching the “Amici degli Animali” – “Friends of Animals” label, designed to recognise the people and organisations that make a concrete contribution to the project.

Families, shops, companies, accommodation providers, associations and professionals will be able to join the initiative and become part of a local network united by a shared commitment to animal protection.

The label will be a visible sign of responsibility and solidarity towards animals. Those taking part will also be promoted through the communication channels of the Municipality and OIPA, helping to spread a culture of responsible care throughout the community.

By involving different sectors of society, OIPA aims to show that protecting stray animals is not the responsibility of volunteers alone. It is a collective commitment that requires institutions, residents and local businesses to work together.

An OIPA-Led Experience That Can Inspire Other Municipalities

The initiative represents an important example of how OIPA Italy’s experience and local presence can help transform institutional progress into concrete action for animals.

The combination of sterilisation, temporary foster care, support for host families and public recognition of animal-friendly citizens and businesses offers a structured and humane model for tackling stray animal population.

It is a model that could be replicated by other municipal administrations across Italy, strengthening collaboration with animal protection organisations and replacing emergency responses with prevention, planning and shared responsibility.

“The launch of this project is a great source of satisfaction and the result of years of commitment and teamwork between animal welfare organisations and institutions. We hope that many residents will open their homes to a dog or cat without a family while they wait to be adopted. If our citizens understand that eliminating stray animal populations can also foster new forms of economic development, I believe that pursuing this path will benefit everyone. We are confident.”

Vito Francioso, OIPA Brindisi Delegate

Anyone wishing to offer temporary foster care, join the “Friends of Animals” network or receive further information can send a private message to the Facebook page OIPA Brindisi Volontari – San Michele Salentino.

L'articolo OIPA Italy at the Heart of a New Community Model to Tackle Stray Animals proviene da OIPA.

As part of its institutional advocacy, OIPA Italy was officially invited to present its position before the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on 7 July. During the parliamentary hearing, OIPA outlined its legal, scientific and environmental concerns regarding the proposed reform, arguing that several provisions could conflict with the Italian Constitution, the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and the principles underpinning Italy’s current Wildlife Protection Act (Law No. 157/1992).

In its submission to Parliament, OIPA warned that the bill would substantially expand hunting opportunities by extending hunting seasons, enlarging the list of huntable species, reducing restrictions on hunting locations, and weakening the role of scientific oversight provided by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). The organisation also expressed concern that hunting activities could be allowed in additional public areas, including state forests and other natural environments frequently used by hikers, birdwatchers, photographers and families.
OIPA further stressed that the proposed legislation could expose Italy to infringement proceedings by the European Union if provisions found to be incompatible with EU environmental law were ultimately adopted. The organisation also highlighted the potential economic consequences that such procedures could have for Italian taxpayers.

Beyond its parliamentary engagement, OIPA Italy is playing a leading role in the broader civil society response to the proposal. The organisation is part of a coalition of 57 environmental and animal protection organisations that has been urging Parliament for months not to approve the reform, calling instead for legislation that strengthens wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.

OIPA has also been among the most active organisations promoting legislative alternatives. It was one of the four founding organisations behind a citizens’ initiative bill calling for the abolition of hunting in Italy. In less than two months, the initiative collected more than 70,000 certified signatures, demonstrating significant public support for stronger wildlife protection.

Alongside its institutional work, OIPA continues to organise and support peaceful public demonstrations across the country. New protests against the proposed hunting reform are scheduled to take place in Verona and Treviso on 24 July, as part of the organisation’s ongoing campaign to raise public awareness and encourage political dialogue.

OIPA remains fully available for constructive and transparent dialogue with institutions, the hunting sector and agricultural stakeholders, the organisation stated during its parliamentary hearing, reaffirming its commitment to science-based policies that protect wildlife, biodiversity and public safety.

L'articolo OIPA Italy Steps Up Action Against Italy’s Proposed Hunting Bill (DDL Caccia) proviene da OIPA.

The animal was found on a rooftop entirely covered with bituminous membrane, a surface that can become extremely hot during the summer months. With no adequate shelter and no shaded area where he could escape the heat, the dog was exposed for prolonged periods to very high temperatures, putting his health and life at serious risk.

The intervention was carried out following a report from concerned citizens. The OIPA Zoophile Guards of Naples, coordinated by Provincial Head Nando Cirella, intervened together with the Carabinieri of the Qualiano Station and the Veterinary Service of ASL Napoli 2 Nord.

Once on site, the authorities confirmed the dog’s condition of serious suffering and the concrete danger of heatstroke. In order to ensure his immediate protection and provide him with the veterinary care he needed, the animal was seized.

The owner was reported to the Judicial Authority for animal mistreatment, in accordance with the law in force.

Nando Cirella, Provincial Head of the OIPA Zoophile Guards of Naples, stressed the seriousness of the situation, especially during periods of extreme heat.

“With the high temperatures of these days, forcing a dog to live constantly in a place without shade or adequate shelter means condemning him to certain death,” he said. “We thank the citizens who reported the situation, because their civic responsibility allowed for a timely intervention and helped prevent irreparable consequences for an innocent animal.”

This case is a reminder of the dangers animals face during the summer when they are kept in unsuitable conditions. Lack of shade, poor ventilation and exposure to hot surfaces can quickly lead to dehydration, severe distress and potentially fatal heatstroke.

The operation also highlights the importance of public reporting and the continued work carried out on the ground by the OIPA Zoophile Guards, law enforcement authorities and veterinary services to prevent and combat animal mistreatment.

OIPA ETS reminds everyone that animals must always have access to fresh water, shade and adequate shelter, especially during periods of high temperatures. Any situation of neglect or mistreatment should be promptly reported to the competent authorities.

L'articolo Italy: OIPA Zoophile Guards Intervene to Rescue Dog Left Under the Scorching Sun on a Rooftop in Naples proviene da OIPA.

In recent weeks, several Members of the Italian Parliament have presented proposals aimed at limiting or fully prohibiting the slaughter of horses for meat consumption. The initiatives seek to recognize equines as companion animals rather than livestock, introducing stricter safeguards and potentially prohibiting breeding for slaughter.

The renewed attention to this issue follows years of advocacy by animal protection organizations and growing public concern over the treatment of horses within the food production system. Legislative proposals under discussion include measures such as mandatory registration in veterinary databases, strengthened traceability requirements, and enhanced penalties related to illegal slaughter or improper transport.

Importantly, the parliamentary debate reflects a broader social shift. In Italy, consumption of horse meat has steadily declined over recent years, mirroring changing consumer habits and increasing awareness of animal welfare. More citizens are reducing overall meat consumption, and horse meat in particular is becoming less central in dietary patterns. Horses are increasingly perceived as companion, sport, and therapy animals, rather than as livestock intended for slaughter.

Supporters of reform argue that this transformation in public perception should be reflected in law. Recognizing horses as animals deserving enhanced legal protection would represent a significant step forward in aligning legislation with contemporary ethical standards and scientific recognition of animals as sentient beings.

The discussion remains ongoing, and its outcome will depend on parliamentary negotiations in the coming months. However, the fact that the issue has reached formal legislative debate marks a significant development in the long-standing effort to strengthen equine protection in Italy.

OIPA will continue to monitor the legislative process closely and reiterates its commitment to promoting higher welfare standards, clearer legal definitions, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent exploitation and suffering.

L'articolo Italy: Parliamentary Debate on Horse Slaughter Marks a Turning Point for Equine Protection proviene da OIPA.

OIPA welcomes the recent decision by the European Union to revise its rules on detergent and cleaning product testing, marking a significant step toward reducing the use of animals in regulatory safety assessments.

At the beginning of 2026, the EU approved changes to its framework governing detergents and everyday cleaning products, introducing a clear transition away from animal-based testing. Under the revised rules, animal testing will be progressively phased out, with a complete ban scheduled for mid-2029.

According to the new approach, safety assessments for these products will rely exclusively on scientifically validated methods that do not involve animals, while continuing to ensure a high level of protection for both human health and the environment.

This regulatory update reflects a broader evolution in EU chemical policy. Scientific and technological advances have made it possible to evaluate risks through alternative techniques, such as laboratory-based models and predictive tools, reducing reliance on practices that cause animal suffering.

The decision also highlights a growing recognition that ethical responsibility and scientific reliability can advance together. Updating regulatory systems in line with current knowledge allows authorities to respond to societal expectations without compromising safety standards.

For animal protection organisations, this agreement represents tangible progress. It confirms the EU’s willingness to modernise its legislation and move away from testing practices that are increasingly considered outdated.

As the transition period begins, continued investment in research and validation of non-animal methods will remain crucial. Their effective implementation will help determine whether similar approaches can be extended to other areas of product and chemical safety in the future.

L'articolo EU revises Safety Testing Rules for Detergents, phasing out Animal Tests proviene da OIPA.

A dog rescued with a cut off paw – OIPA Italy volunteers in Alcamo, Trapani, rescued a young puppy named Green who was found in a state of extreme suffering. His hind leg was cut-off and almost completely skinned, with bone and flesh exposed. The extent of his wounds suggests he may have been caught in a cruel trap set for wild animals, foxes or wild boars. This traumatic event is a stark reminder of the barbaric practice of poaching and the suffering it inflicts on countless animals.

Unfortunately, to prevent the risk of sepsis in the severed leg, amputation was unavoidable. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and upon waking from anesthesia, Green was already able to take his first steps, managing to stand on his three remaining legs.

Despite now being a tripod dog, Green is completely self-sufficient. Once his recovery is complete, he will be able to walk and run just like any other dog. Full of life and with an irresistible little face, Green is only one year old.

Let’s help him recover from his traumatic experience, make his beautiful green eyes shine, and help him find a loving family to spend the rest of his life with.

Together, we can offer a bright future to this sweet and courageous little dog, who undoubtedly has a difficult past behind him, but who has shown remarkable strength in facing pain and overcoming his fears.

You can help Green by making a donation to cover the costs of his veterinary care.

L'articolo A DOG RESCUED WITH A CUT OFF PAW proviene da OIPA.

Diana left to suffer on the road. Her cries of pain were deliberately ignored by the driver who hit Diana, a tiny 4-month-old kitten. The person drove away without even bothering to help her. She was left to suffer alone on the street with her tiny body battered and bruised.

OIPA volunteers in Chieti, Italy, immediately rushed on site after being alerted by a citizen. The little kitten was in very serious condition, breathing heavily and in shock. She was taken to veterinary clinic. Hypothermic and tachycardic, a check-up revealed a ruptured bladder, a paracentral hernia, and a fractured pelvis.

She underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct her pelvis and bladder. Now Diana is recovering, but her health is still very precarious. She is following a therapy and needs to be monitored with particular attention and an adequate diet.

Volunteers have never left her alone, not even in the most critical phase
Please, help this little warrior who managed to win her battle with life.

L'articolo DIANA, A 4-MONTH-OLD KITTEN WAS LEFT TO SUFFER ON THE ROAD. HELP HER TOGETHER WITH OIPA VOLUNTEERS proviene da OIPA.

Dog rescued from a deadly trap. OIPA volunteers received a distress call at 5 a.m. reporting a dog barking somewhere in a nearby field. Racing to the scene, they searched frantically for the animal. Finally, they discovered the source of the pitiful wails: a small, emaciated female dog trapped inside a barbaric wild boar trap. These cages, used for poaching, are designed to inflict hours of agonizing suffering before the victim meets a gruesome end. Beside the terrified dog lay the macabre remnants of the bait that had lured her into this deadly trap.

There was no telling how long she had been trapped inside, exposed to the scorching sun with no hope of escape. The tiny dog, barely 5 kg, was so petrified she was paralyzed with fear, urinating in terror.

A scene the volunteers will never forget. Elena, as they named her, could have perished alone and unnoticed, just another victim of the cruel poaching traps.

Underweight and terrified, perhaps abused or cast aside during her wandering, Elena needs to heal and, most importantly learn to trust humans again.

Volunteers have vowed to give Elena a brighter future. Let’s come together to help her start a new life.

Even a small donation will go a long way in providing Elena with the veterinary care she needs and the nutritious food to help her recover.

L'articolo RESCUED FROM A DEADLY TRAP: VOLUNTEERS SAVE ELENA. MALNOURISHED AND TERRIFIED, SHE NOW NEEDS TO HEAL proviene da OIPA.

Puppies and adult dogs needs help in Palermo. For about ten days now, OIPA Italy’s volunteers have been following a very critical situation involving a litter of puppies reported to be abandoned in a remote location of Palermo, in Sicily.

There were originally seven puppies, but sadly, one was already dead when they reached the location. Another puppy, rescued with great effort, was taken to the vet. Very weak and covered in fleas and ticks, he was found to be anaemic and is now under observation.

Volunteers are caring for the remaining 5 puppies, who are around 2 and a half months old. They are feeding and monitoring them on site, but they urgently need a foster home, even temporarily, where puppies can be kept safe in a clean and protected environment.

Additionally, in the same area, rescuers found 5 adult dogs (2 females and 3 males) and a 6-month-old puppy. All of these animals need to be spayed or neutered.

Let’s not turn a blind eye. By joining forces and showing solidarity, we can support volunteers in covering the costs of caring for all these puppies and other stray animals. If we don’t spay and neuter them, the problem will only get worse, and unwanted litters will be born.

You can help by donating to cover the costs of their care and sterilization, while we are looking for a foster home even temporary, or, ideally, a forever adoption.

L'articolo PUPPIES AND ADULT DOGS ARE NEEDING YOUR HELP IN PALERMO. BECOME A LIFESAVER BY DONATING FOR THEIR CARE proviene da OIPA.

Six equids rescued from neglect – Very thin, emaciated, deprived of food and veterinary care: these were the conditions in which six equines were found at the intervention of OIPA volunteers in Ravenna in collaboration with the association Animal Rescue Team Italia.

Three donkeys, two horses, and a pony were discovered in a deplorable state, living in filth and manure. They were found to be suffering from dermatitis, dental diseases, eye problems, leg issues, and lameness.

Animal Rescue Team Italia is handling their medical care, while OIPA’s volunteers are taking care of all the other needs.

They visit the shelter daily to care for the horses and donkeys, cleaning their living spaces and ensuring they have a steady supply of quality food. This includes fruit (apples, carrots, fennel, etc.), high-quality hay to prevent intestinal issues, and supplements to address nutritional deficiencies.

Besides providing daily care, OIPA volunteers are seeking a sanctuary where the six equines can eventually be rehomed and cared for in a loving and respectful environment.

Let’s give these amazing animals a second chance.
All it takes is a small act of solidarity from each of us. With a donation, you can contribute to the costs of purchasing hay and supplements and support OIPA volunteers in assisting the horses and donkeys in the long term.

L'articolo OIPA VOLUNTEERS IN RAVENNA ARE HELPING SIX EQUIDS RESCUED FROM NEGLECT. LET’S HELP THEM REBIRTH WITH AN ACT OF KINDNESS proviene da OIPA.