Dog owners in the Italian port city of Livorno will now be required to clean up their pets' urine from public spaces or face fines of up to €500. The measure, introduced by Mayor Luca Salvetti, comes after numerous complaints from residents about the persistent smell of dog urine, particularly in parks and children's play areas.
New Rules for Dog Owners
Under the new regulation, dog owners must carry water bottles and sprayers to cleanse pavements, benches, and even the wheels of parked cars and scooters. Pets are forbidden from urinating near doorways, windows, and especially by the entrances of shops, offices, and homes.
The council stated: "Public spaces are community property that must be protected to ensure decorum, hygiene and urban livability." The measure responds to "numerous reports from residents highlighting the discomfort caused by foul odours and the health and hygiene issues resulting from the presence of liquid animal waste in spaces intended for socialisation by adults and children."
Enforcement and Penalties
The rules apply to anyone walking a dog, whether the owner or a caretaker, and will be in force from May 20 to October 31—the period deemed most critical due to higher temperatures and lower rainfall. Those found in violation face fines ranging from €25 to €500 (£21 to £425).
Similar rules already exist in Livorno for dog waste, requiring dog walkers to carry equipment to scoop up excrement. Public officials may conduct spot checks to ensure compliance.
In September last year, Bolzano leaders sparked controversy by proposing a dog tax of €1.50 per night for visiting dogs and €100 per year per dog for residents, with proceeds used to clean streets of dog mess.
