Comparotto: «We await a tightening of penalties for crimes against animals, as promised by various political parties»
of Oipa
PALERMO – As requested by the International Organization for Animal Protection (Oipa) together with Leal in the aftermath of the tragedy that moved and outraged the whole of Italy, the man who set fire to the dog Aron in Palermo, who died following the very serious burns suffered , will no longer be able to “own, acquire ownership of and/or keep animals of any kind and species for any reason, even temporarily, throughout the entire municipal territory”. This was established yesterday, on the proposal of the councilor for animal welfare Fabrizio Ferrandelli, by mayor Roberto Lagalla, who issued a prohibitory order. The request of the two associations was also strongly supported by the regional guarantor of animal rights, Giovanni Giacobbe Giacobbe.
The veterinary service of the Provincial Health Authority of Palermo, the municipal police and the zoophile guards of Oipa will periodically verify compliance with the provision. If other animals are found in the possession of the man and his cohabitants, they will be seized and confiscated.
Oipa disseminates the text of the ordinance and at the same time hopes that similar ordinances will be issued by all Mayors in the case of convictions for mistreatment and/or killing of animals.
Last January the association presented a complaint to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo for mistreatment and killing of animals (article 544 ter paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code) and its Legal Office, together with Leal, subsequently sent a request to Mayor Lagalla to issue the interdictory order which arrived yesterday afternoon.
Oipa has always hoped for a tightening of penalties for crimes of which animals are victims, even more so in a mass media era like the current one. The multiplication of the publication of news of this type determines a risk of emulation with the consequence of the multiplication of the phenomenon. The State takes charge of it. Violent and dangerous subjects towards animals must be harshly punished: animals are sentient beings, now also protected by the Constitution in article 9.
«Subjects who are cruel towards animals are dangerous subjects who can easily pass from animals to humans. The system should also consider this”, comments the president of Oipa, Massimo Comparotto
