SALERNO, Italy—Humane World for Animals Italy (formerly called Humane Society International) and Fondazione Cave Canem hosted an event in Salerno today, focused on giving a second chance to animals victimized by dogfighting. The event, called “Dogfighting: Fund for behavioral rehabilitation. From the amendment to the implementing decree: Concrete resources and protections for animals seized from dogfighting”, provided an opportunity for discussion of an anticipated implementing decree by the Italian Ministry of Labour, which will regulate the allocation of funds provided under the 2026 Italian Budget Law (Law no. 199 of 30 December 2025, Article 1, paragraphs 847 and 848*) to cover the custody costs arising from the seizure and confiscation of animals used in fighting.
The event was organized as part of the “Io non combatto” project and was moderated by journalist Diana Letizia, head of Kodami. Senator Anna Bilotti, Fiorella Zabatta, regional councilor for animal welfare in Campania and Lorena Cicciotti, head of the crime prevention division at the Salerno police headquarters attended the event.
Senator Bilotti (of the national political party “Movimento 5 Stelle”), first signatory of the amendment to the 2026 Budget Law that made the funding possible, states: “Animals used in fighting are subjected to violence. Involving them in a behavioral rehabilitation program means showing them that respect and love also exist, giving them the chance for a new life in a family. It is therefore essential to release the funds as soon as possible to make all this possible.”
Fiorella Zabatta (of the national political party “Europa Verde”), regional councilor for animal welfare in Campania, says: “The protection of dogs and the fight against all forms of violence against them represent a priority that requires the joint commitment of citizens, institutions, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and third-sector organizations. From this perspective, our regional office is committed to fostering dialogue among all interest holders, to build shared pathways and identify effective solutions to local and national challenges. The first concrete action carried out through the ‘Io non combatto’ project was launched in the Salerno area: an element that adds particular value to the fact that this is where our reflection begins on how to ensure a future for rescued dogs throughout the country. Dogfighting is a widespread phenomenon at the national level: it is necessary to strengthen prevention and enforcement actions against a cruel and dangerous practice.”
Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem—organizations promoting the “Io non combatto” project, aimed at preventing and combating the criminal phenomenon of dogfighting—have also announced the publication of a report outlining this criminal phenomenon, as well as an updated guide to educate and raise awareness among the public. Both organizations have made their expertise available to the Ministry.
Martina Pluda, country director at Humane World for Animals Italy, comments: “Numerous investigations conducted in recent years have highlighted that dogfighting remains a present and widespread phenomenon throughout Italy. This is confirmed by an analysis carried out by the ‘Io non combatto’ team, which encompasses the primary reported cases from 2013 to 2026, and which will now be freely accessible to institutions and the public. On one hand, we believe in educating and empowering citizens: for this reason, we have just published a new ‘Citizen’s guide’ explaining how to recognize signs of dogfighting and the correct procedures for reporting it. On the other hand, we consider it essential to address regulatory gaps and strengthen the tools available to those engaged in rehabilitating dogs rescued from fighting. This is why we strongly supported this amendment and therefore trust in the rapid and effective implementation of the ministerial decree.”
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the reforms preceding the approval of the amendment, including Law no. 82 of 2025. This marked a step forward toward recognizing the legal status of animals subject to seizure or confiscation, mandating their protection as an autonomous interest.
Alessandro Fazzi, institutional relations consultant at Humane World for Animals Italy and co-author of a recent article on the permanent placement of seized animals published in the scientific journal DGA, adds: “The introduction of Article 260-bis into the Code of Criminal Procedure, thanks to Law no. 82 of 2025, established the principle that an animal, once removed from a criminal enterprise, can be permanently entrusted to those able to guarantee that animal’s protection and well-being, through the mechanism of permanent placement with a concurrent security deposit. The funds provided under the 2026 Budget Law will be used precisely to support the associations responsible for the management and rehabilitation of the dogs.”
Federica Faiella, president of Fondazione Cave Canem, comments: “This amendment to the Budget Law represents a crucial step forward for at least three reasons. First, it marks the concrete recognition of a need: to prevent and combat the phenomenon of dogfighting, supporting the work of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in taking responsibility for animals rescued from the criminal circuit, guiding them along a path of recovery and ensuring the protection of their rights, including in judicial proceedings. Second, it strengthens the sense of community by acknowledging the fundamental role of third-sector organizations in supporting public institutions in these complex activities. Finally, the coverage of judicial custody costs introduces an element of economic sustainability that may represent a decisive acceleration in our progress, providing greater operational peace of mind to those conducting investigations and making the implementation of seizures more effective.”
Mirko Zuccari, dog trainer manager at Fondazione Cave Canem, adds: “Dogs involved in dogfighting are victims of violent practices that push them to react under conditions of extreme stress and fear, to the point of attacking in order to defend their own lives. For this reason, it is essential to support them through structured behavioral rehabilitation programs that enable them to overcome trauma and rediscover healthy ways of relating. Only through skilled and continuous work is it possible to give these animals—like Michi and Shrek, rescued as part of the ‘Io non combatto’ project—a real chance at reintegration and life.”
The event concluded with a discussion between Mirko Zuccari, dr. Bianca Rinaldi, prosecutor at the Court of Salerno, and Captain Clizia Lutzu, Commander of the CITES and NIPAAF unit in Salerno, on operational aspects of combating dogfighting and managing the animals involved. The three agreed that synergy between engaged citizens, law enforcement, the judiciary, and field professionals is essential, and that these funds have the potential to make this collaboration even stronger and more effective.
Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem have been working together for years to prevent and counter these criminal activities through training courses and scholarships for law enforcement personnel and others, the implementation of rehabilitation strategies for the dogs involved, along with conferences, webinars, and public information and awareness campaigns.
#
Download photos from the event, the Citizen’s guide and the report on Italian cases of dogfighting here.
Notes
* The paragraphs cited from Article 1 of the Budget Law specifically provide for the coverage of custody costs arising from the seizure and confiscation of animals used in fighting under Articles 544-quinquies and 544-sexies of the Penal Code, as well as for animals with behavioral issues entrusted to facilities, managed or supported by third-sector organizations, specialized in behavioral rehabilitation.