Trento will no longer allow the use of dogs in begging activities. The City Council approved an amendment to the urban police regulations with a large majority—37 votes in favor and one abstention—removing the clause that previously prevented authorities from seizing a dog when its owner declared an “authentic bond” with the animal.
In practice, that provision made enforcement difficult: a simple verbal statement was enough to halt any action by local police. In recent years, however, reports of dogs being exploited, mistreated, or even sedated to elicit sympathy from passersby had increased.
Renato Tomasi of the Mixed Group, who promoted the measure, stressed that it is impossible to verify on the street whether a person truly has a genuine relationship with the animal, underscoring the need to prevent any form of cruelty.
During the debate, several council members proposed support measures. Giuseppe Urbani (Fratelli d’Italia) suggested creating temporary spaces in municipal shelters for seized dogs. Filomena Chilà (PD–PSI) called for stricter monitoring and a temporary placement system that tracks the impact on both people and animals.
Other councillors - particularly from the Lega - expressed support for tougher action, citing suspected organized exploitation and stressing the need to remove dogs from unacceptable conditions.