Italy Establishes €2 Million In Funding To Support Dogs Rescued From Dogfighting
Italy has taken a major step toward protecting and rehabilitating animals rescued from dogfighting by establishing a funding process to help cover the costs of their care, veterinary treatment, and behavioral rehabilitation.
The measure implements provisions included in Italy’s 2026 Budget Law, which allocated €1 million for 2026 and another €1 million for 2027. The funding will reimburse eligible Third Sector organizations that manage or support facilities caring for animals seized or confiscated in connection with illegal animal fighting. It also applies to animals with behavioral issues entrusted to facilities specializing in behavioral rehabilitation.
Under Decree No. 116, issued by Italy’s Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, eligible expenses may include the intake and daily care of rescued animals, veterinary treatment, food, behavioral evaluations, rehabilitation plans, and sessions with animal behavior professionals.
“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,” said Martina Pluda, Country Director at Humane World for Animals Italy, and Federica Faiella, President of Fondazione Cave Canem.
The organizations said covering care and custody costs represents an important step that could make the implementation of animal seizures more effective and contribute to long-term efforts to combat dogfighting.
Maria Teresa Bellucci, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policies, said the measure recognizes the essential work of the professionals and volunteers who care for animals rescued from 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,” Bellucci said.
Senator Anna Bilotti, the first signatory of the amendment that made the funding possible, also welcomed the decree. Bilotti said efforts would continue to preserve and strengthen the resources and potentially expand future funding to include specialized training for law enforcement officers combating animal-fighting crimes.
Organizations applying for reimbursement will be required to provide documentation showing that the animals were entrusted to their care, along with a self-certification confirming that they meet the necessary requirements.
Applications must be submitted after the official call is published, which is expected by the end of the year, and no later than 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 provide training and scholarships for law enforcement personnel and other professionals, develop rehabilitation programs for rescued dogs, and organize educational and public awareness campaigns.
By helping cover the costs of shelter, veterinary care, and behavioral rehabilitation, Italy’s new funding measure represents an important step toward strengthening the response to dogfighting and giving its survivors a genuine opportunity to heal and begin a new life.
