the judge will decide who to assign them in the event of the owners' divorce

Animals are "sentient beings" and for them comes a special legislation that distinguishes them from objects, and in the event of divorce it will be the judge who decides which spouses will entrust the care. This is what a bill assigned to the Justice Commission of the Chamber for the first signature of Patrizia Prestipino, always committed to the defense of animals, and by Stefania Pezzopane, provides. Among the other regulations there is also the prohibition to prevent their access in public places, in schools and in «places of worship». The Law of the two deputies of the Democratic Party introduces a new Book in the Civil Code, the XIV bis, «Of the animals», which in the first of the new articles defines the status of the animals themselves as «sentient beings».

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"The law – the PDL continues – recognizes and protects their right to life, health and to lead a dignified existence compatible with their ethological characteristics". And that is why "it is forbidden, except as provided by law, the forced removal of family animals from their family". The law then goes into further details, depending on the different situations: in cases of separation or divorce, the Court entrusts the pet "exclusively to the spouse who guarantees the best psycho-physical and ethological well-being"; it being understood that "shared custody" is possible. In the event of the death of the deceased, the heir has the burden of raising the animal, while the Court can entrust it definitively to other people or animal welfare associations that "guarantee their welfare". "The access of family animals to the owner or holder – still foresees the pdl – is always allowed in public or private premises open to the public as well as on public transport". Access by domestic animals, provided they are accompanied, "is also permitted in public offices, residential facilities, schools and places of worship". The proposal still provides for a series of other animal protection regulations, including those provided to the police, ensuring that they are "retired" once they become too old to be employed in the service.

Last updated at 6.16pm


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