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Italy Opens Review of Bill to Classify Equids as Companion Animals and Ban Slaughter

The Agriculture Committee has begun examining a merged proposal seen as the first parliamentary test of ending equine meat use in Italy.

Overview

  • The Brambilla-sponsored bill (AC 48) is the base text in committee, now combined with proposals from M5S and Avs for unified scrutiny.
  • The 13-article draft would prohibit slaughter, export for slaughter, sale and consumption of equine meat, with all equids labeled Non Dpa.
  • Penalties envisioned include 3 months to 3 years in prison and fines of €30,000–€100,000, with higher fines if meat reaches the market.
  • The text targets welfare abuses such as dangerous shows, excessive exploitation, carriage work, and scientific uses including cloning.
  • ISTAT data show annual equid slaughter falling from over 70,000 (2012) to about 22,000 (2024), as polls report low horse-meat intake and strong NGO backing from OIPA and Animal Equality.