Target: Carlo Nordio, Minister of Justice, Rome, Italy
Goal: Ensure Italy’s strengthened animal cruelty law is rigorously enforced so serious killing, mistreatment, animal fighting and trafficking result in meaningful investigation and legal consequences.
Italy has dramatically strengthened its legal response to animal cruelty. Law No. 82 of June 6, 2025 amended the Penal Code’s classification from crimes against human feelings toward animals to “crimes against animals.” The change recognizes animals themselves as the interests protected by these criminal provisions. The legislation entered into force on July 1, 2025.
The penalties carry substantial weight. Killing an animal without necessity can result in imprisonment and significant fines. When an animal is killed through cruelty or intentionally prolonged suffering, offenders can face one to four years in prison and fines ranging from €10,000 to €60,000. Animal mistreatment can result in six months to two years of imprisonment alongside financial penalties. Organizing animal fights can carry prison sentences of two to four years.
The reform also addresses circumstances that can make animal cruelty particularly serious. Penalties can increase when offenses involve multiple animals, occur in front of minors or involve dissemination of images or videos of the abuse online. Strong laws, however, protect animals only when they are consistently enforced. Italy must ensure that these strengthened protections translate into effective investigations and meaningful consequences when offenses are proven.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Nordio,
Italy has given law enforcement and prosecutors a significantly stronger framework for confronting serious animal cruelty. Parliament increased penalties for animal killing, mistreatment and fighting while creating aggravating circumstances for particularly serious conduct.
Please ensure that the justice system has the resources, training and institutional support necessary to enforce these provisions effectively. Reports of animal cruelty should receive appropriate investigation, relevant evidence should be properly preserved and cases supported by sufficient evidence should be pursued under the strengthened provisions available to prosecutors.
A law capable of imposing four years in prison when an animal is killed through cruelty or deliberately prolonged suffering sends a powerful message about the value of animal life. That message loses its force without consistent enforcement. Ensure that Law No. 82 delivers the meaningful accountability its strengthened penalties were designed to provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
