A puppy looks desperately through a chainlink cage full of despondant puppies

Jean Chung / For HSI

Italy

Humane World for Animals Italy

We’re working to make a more humane world for animals in Italy by changing systems, ending cruelty and advancing better alternatives.

Our Impact

Italy follows the EU’s requirements for animal welfare. The country also has its own protections in place, including legislation prohibiting the mistreatment of animals. And an annual National Plan on Animal Welfare guides Italy’s compliance with EU regulations on farm animals.

Top animal welfare issues include intensive cage and crate confinement and extreme crowding on farms, the import of animal trophies, dogfighting and the use of animals for testing in laboratories.

What we are working on

Humane World for Animals is working hard to help. We’re persuading corporations to adopt policies that give farmed animals room to move while also advocating for a more plant-forward food system. We’re ending the cruel practice of trophy hunting. We’re raising awareness about dogfighting while working to eradicate it. And we’re finding alternative ways to test products without harming animals.

Working to end trophy hunting

Humane World for Animals

#NotInMyWorld

Stopping trophy hunting

Between 2013 and 2022, Italy imported 492 hunting trophies from protected species—including elephants and polar bears. Italy is also one of just five countries to have imported a trophy from the critically endangered black rhinoceros. We're pressure the Italian government—and the Parliamentary majority supporting it—to ban the import of hunting trophies.

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young piglets Patsy & Saffron play in Summer sunshine in their enclosure at Pigs In The Wood sanctuary for pigs

Tom Woollard/We Animals Media

We're working to prevent suffering by farmed animals.

Improving the lives of farmed animals

We are focused on creating better living conditions for farmed animals. As of 2020, some 300 million animals were confined to cages in the EU, 45 million of those in Italy. Humane World for Animals is committed to reducing those numbers and giving pigs, chickens, and other farmed animals more room to move.

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Fox on a fur farm

Oikeutta eläimille

Going Fur-free

To promote fur-free policies, we continue collaborating with the fashion industry. We encourage brands to adopt cruelty-free practices and shift away from using fur. 

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Rescued from dogfighting in Italy

Chiara Muzzini/Fondazione Cave Canem

Stopping dogfighting

We’re continuing efforts to combat dogfighting by providing law enforcement with the skills to identify and address this cruel practice. We also contribute to expert research on dogfighting, deepening understanding of its prevalence and impact. And we actively engage public opinion, raising awareness about the issue and encouraging communities to recognize and report signs of dogfighting.

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Highlights of our work

taxidermy zebra, deer, bear and other animals at auction

In 2023, ITA Airways, Italy's leading airline, joined the #NotInMyWorld campaign, which aims to put an end to trophy hunting by banning the transportation of such trophies.

Beautiful orange fox standing in the snow.

In 2021, Italy banned the fur farming, a decision that contributed to the closure of the nation's 10 mink farms. This change was possible thanks to the efforts of our experts and activists. Together with our partners, we have convinced many Italian fashion brands - such as Gucci, Prada and Max Mara—to say goodbye to fur.

Chicken perched in a cage free facility.

We recognize Italian companies that are making a difference in animal breeding. In 2020, we recognized Barilla—the largest pasta producer in the world—for its leading position in adopting and implementing a policy that prohibits the use of eggs from caged hens.

Dog in dark boarded cage looks out at HSUS animal rescue team

To put an end to dog fighting, we launched the "I don't fight" campaign, which made it possible to save dogs involved in dog fighting. We have also produced a guide to help people recognize the signs of this illegal activity and have produced an educational booklet for schools. Finally, we have provided specific training to the police forces involved in combating betting and gambling.

Latest news

As 13 fighting dogs are seized in Gela, Italy, Humane World for Animals and Fondazione Cave Canem cite the importance of cruelty reporting by the public

ROME—Thirteen pit bull-type dogs from an illegal dogfighting and underground betting ring — including four puppies and a pregnant female — were recently seized in Gela, Sicily, as part of an operation

Italy |Europe
Iceland’s government confirms bill to consider whaling ban will be introduced in February 2027

BRUSSELS ―The Icelandic government has formally confirmed it will introduce a legislative bill in February 2027 to amend the Whaling Act, giving “particular consideration” to a permanent ban on

Europe |Italy |Germany |Romania |Poland
Leading scientists and experts in The Lancet urge EU to ban fur farming over public health risks

BRUSSELS—As the European Commission considers its final response to the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative , The Lancet Regional Health – Europe has published a commentary by leading

Europe |Germany |Poland |Italy |Romania

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Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS/