ROME, Italy—There is good news for dogs rescued from dogfighting and for the organizations that care for them, in the form of a commitment to fund the costs of the animals’ care and custody. The Italian Ministry of Labour has just published a decree establishing procedures for accessing, using and disbursing the financial resources allocated under Article 1, paragraph 847, of Law No. 199/2025, namely the 2026 Budget Law.
These resources will be used to cover the costs associated with the care and custody of animals seized and confiscated from the dogfighting industry, as well as animals affected by behavioral issues and entrusted to facilities managed or supported by Third Sector organizations specializing in behavioral rehabilitation.
Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem, who have been working for years to combat dogfighting through the “Io non combatto” project, welcome the publication of the decree, which is the result of a constructive dialogue initiated with Parliament and subsequently continued with the Ministry.
Maria Teresa Bellucci, deputy minister of labour and social policies and head of the department for social policies, states: “With this decree, we are implementing a long-awaited provision that recognizes the invaluable work of the professionals and volunteers who dedicate themselves every day to caring for animals with behavioural disorders rescued from the inhumane practice of animal fighting. Covering the costs of their care and shelter helps relieve Third Sector organizations of a significant financial burden they have borne on their own until now, while also strengthening the partnership between public institutions and civil society organizations—a collaboration in which this Government has consistently invested. I would like to thank Fondazione Cave Canem and Humane World for Animals Italy for their work over the years: a tangible commitment to restoring dignity and offering a second chance to animals that have fallen victim to this brutal illegal practice, while also fostering, starting with younger generations, a culture of respect, empathy and responsibility towards all animals.”
Martina Pluda, country director at Humane World for Animals Italy, and Federica Faiella, president of Fondazione Cave Canem, conclude: “We thank the Ministry for the speed with which it has followed up on this important initiative. Covering care and custody costs represents a fundamental step, capable of making the implementation of seizures more effective and contributing, in the long term, to combating this cruel and illegal practice. Dogs involved in dogfighting are victims of extreme violence and require structured behavioral rehabilitation programs that enable them to overcome the trauma they have experienced and regain their quality of life. Only through skilled and continuous commitment can we guarantee these animals a real opportunity for recovery and a new life.”
Senator Anna Bilotti, first signatory of the amendment to the 2026 Budget Law that made the funding possible, comments: “I welcome with satisfaction the publication of the decree by the Ministry. This is a concrete sign of the attention given to the need to adequately support organizations that offer a second chance to animals rescued from dogfighting. In the coming months, we will continue working to ensure that these resources are confirmed and strengthened, ideally extending their use beyond covering the management costs of seized and confiscated dogs to also include specialized training for law enforcement officers engaged in combating these serious crimes.”
As established by the decree, eligible expenses may include the intake and daily management of dogs rescued from dogfighting, veterinary care, the development of rehabilitation plans and sessions with animal behavior professionals. To obtain reimbursement, applicants will be required, among other things, to submit documentation proving that the animals have been entrusted to their care, together with a self-certification confirming that they meet the necessary requirements. Applications must be submitted after the publication of the call for them (expected by the end of the year) and, in any case, by January 31 of the year following the year in which the expenses were incurred.
Through the “Io non combatto” project, Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem have been working together for years to prevent and counter dogfighting by providing training courses and scholarships for law enforcement personnel and other professionals, implementing rehabilitation programs for the dogs involved and organizing conferences, webinars, and mounting public information and awareness-raising campaigns. The resources made available to the public include an analysis of dogfighting cases in Italy, an information guide for citizens and an educational brochure for schools.
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