On 9 and 10 March 2025, 24 municipalities in the Veneto will host a controversial dog proof intended for dog dogs, a proof that, although not providing for the demolition of animals, He risks seriously compromising the life of hundreds of hares. The decision to authorize the event, which involves the simulated hunting, was harshly criticized by animalist associationswhich place the emphasis on numerous risks for wildlife.
Oipa (International Animal Protection Organization) e Leal (Ampivisection League) are among the first to take the field against this initiative, officially asking for the revocation of the authorization. The event will be held right in full reproductive period of haresa condition that could lead to the death of pregnant hares and newborn little ones. On 9 and 10 March, in fact, they coincide with the period of greater vulnerability for these animals, which they risk being argued by their lairs from the dogs from followed.
The concern is not limited to this ethical question linked to the suffering of animals. The dog test is expected in restoration and capture areasareas intended for the protection and strengthening of the fauna population. Precisely in these areas, the fauna should be able to recover, without being threatened by exercises that could compromise their repopulation. In this context, the choice of the region to authorize the exercise appears even more problematic, with a real risk for the survival of the species involved.
An inappropriate period and a vulnerable area
The fears for the fate of the harshs are justified, since the dog proof provides that dogs follow the night traces of the hares, committing themselves to allocating them from their lairs. The fear that dogs can disturb the pregnant hares, leading them to escape or give to light in precarious conditions, is concrete. If the hares, in particular those in pregnancy or with newborn puppies, are forced to escape, they could easily abandon their little ones or suffer irreparable damage during the escape, compromising their own survival.
In addition to the risk for the life of animals, the question is complicated with the legal aspect. The period in which the Cinofila test will take place, coinciding with the period of reproduction of the hares, is considered by OIPA and Leal particularly problematic also in terms of current legislation. The law provides that training activities outside the authorized areas are valid for only 30 days, but the authorization in question expires only in the days immediately preceding or even during the event. In this case, Many land have not had the opportunity to oppose officially in profit.
The criticisms of animalist associations
The joint press release sent by Oipa and Leal to the Veneto Region brings out all the critical issues of the provision, highlighting how the dog proof is not only harmful to hares, but also inappropriate in a context of management of wildlife. Alessandro Piacenzaresponsible for the protection of wildlife for Oipa, underlined how this decision represents a danger not only for the animals involved, but also for the integrity of the ecosystems. Wildlife, according to Piacenza, is an unavailable heritage of the state and must be protected with decisions consistent with its well -being.
On the part of Leal, the position is equally firm. The Association recalls how this Cinofila test does not differ substantially from the hunting activity, which provides similar methods of chaseing animals, with the difference that no breaks are foreseen. But this does not change the suffering imposed on animals, especially if we consider the period of the year in which the exercise will take place.
A legal battle in progress
The revocation request sent to the Veneto Region by the two associations is also accompanied by the start of a legal battle. OIPA and Leal have decided to undertake legal action to suspend and cancel the authorizationconvinced that the protection of wildlife and the protection of animals must have priority on any other activity. The associations therefore ask the Region to review the provision and not to give space to practices that can irreparably damage the wildlife.
An appeal to the Veneto Region
The message that Oipa and Leal address to the Veneto Region is clear: it is essential that every decision regarding the management of wildlife protects in the first instance the well -being and dignity of animals, avoiding practices that expose them to unnecessary suffering. The protection of fauna and the protection of ecosystems are fundamental values that, according to associations, should always prevail over activities that, although legal, can have devastating consequences for animals.
With March 9 now upon us, the legal and political battle for the revocation of the authorization is only at the beginning. Oipa and Leal will continue to put pressure to end this initiative, which they consider harmful to the entire ecosystem of the Veneto. The hope is that the Region can rethink the decision and accept the request for cancellation, By putting respect for wildlife and animal protection at the center of its agenda.
