Years ago Italy seeks to contain the Impact of the millions of visitors you receive. First they were higher tourist rates, then entry tickets in saturated cities such as Venice, limitations to tourist rentals in Florence or sanctions in Rome through uncivic behaviors. Now, the last initiative points to an unexpected protagonist: The dogs.
The city of Bolzano It will begin to collect a daily value, from 2026, to those who visit the region accompanied by their pets. This measure will be for cover urban cleaning costs and finance the creation of dog parks.
The authorities defended the introduction of the tax as a Response to urban cleaning challenges associated with the presence of dogs in the city. The provincial counselor, Luis Walcherwas the main driver of the measure. “It cannot be that the entire community pays for the dirt generated by dogs. It is fair that the cost falls only to their owners,” he said.
At the same time, the local administration said that the funds collected will allow the construction of new dog parks to be financed, with the objective of improving coexistence in public spaces.
THE TAX FOR PETS
This tax that took the tourists and residents of Bolzano by surprise establishes that visitors must pay 1.50 euros per dog and day during your stay in the area.
For its part, for residents, the province already applies a Annual tax of 100 euros for each pet, within the framework of a broader policy that includes the obligation to register the Pet DNA.
The measure allows Identify the owners that do not lift the excrements of their dogs from the ground and those who could face fines of up to 600 euros per infraction.
As for the exemptions, the counselor confirmed that those who have already complied with the genetic record of their pets They will be exempt from the tax during the first two years. This provision seeks Encourage compliance with Canine DNA regulationsalthough it has not been specified if it will also apply to new records made.
A controversial measure
The decision generated criticism of animal protection organizations and sectors linked to tourism.
Carla RocchiPresident of the ENPA (National Animal Protection Entity), expressed her rejection of the strategy adopted by the province And he argued that “the province of Bolzano puts a goal against the dog tax and even four -legged tourists.”
For its part, the Animal Defense Organizations They warned about the possible negative impact of the measure in tourism “Pet Friendly“And they affirmed that this measure could discourage responsible trips and, in extreme cases, Promote the abandonment of animals.
On the other hand, there is doubt if the regulations will imply more restrictions, such as the prohibition of access of dogs to municipal parks.
Source: Ambito
