An end to illegal races, tourist carriage rides, forced performances—and above all, an end to horse slaughter. With these goals, Italian MP Michela Vittoria Brambilla has introduced Bill No. 48 in Parliament, titled “Rules for the protection of equines and their recognition as companion animals.”
The proposal, which has already won the backing of numerous animal-rights and environmental organisations, aims to grant horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies the legal status of companion animals, placing them on the same footing as dogs and cats, already protected under legislation introduced by Brambilla and in force since July 1, 2025.
“Recognising this status means guaranteeing proper protection and rights,” the MP said. The bill would ban the slaughter, sale and consumption of horse meat, as well as exploitation, clandestine races and traditional horse festivals.
According to Brambilla, the proposal reflects a profound shift in public attitudes. “This evolution is supported by the majority of Italians,” she noted, pointing to a dramatic decline in horse-meat consumption: from 70,000 animals slaughtered ten years ago to around 20,000 last year, 8,000 of them imported.
The bill also targets transport and slaughter conditions, described as “inhumane,” with journeys that can exceed 2,000 kilometres. Consumer safety is another concern, given the lack of clear labelling on meat origin.
Now awaiting review by the Agriculture Committee, the bill would also establish retirement facilities for horses at the end of their sporting careers and introduce fines ranging from €2,000 to €50,000. Harsher penalties - including prison sentences of up to three years and fines of up to €100,000 - are предусмотрed for the unjustified administration of drugs.