The campaign developed by LNDC Animal Protection and Anas to raise awareness against the phenomenon of animal abandonment, still too present in many areas of our country, is back. The goal of #LOVE ME and ENOUGH is to remember the serious impact that this gesture can have primarily on the animal that suffers it, but also on the rest of society. Abandonment is cruelty to animals and at the same time a threat to road traffic.
The arrival of summer and holidays always leads to an increase in traffic and, consequently, an increase in the danger of accidents which can involve the many animals that are unfortunately still abandoned or live as strays and therefore also all motorists traveling on Italian roads. This is why the #AMAMIeBASTA information campaign is back again this year, created in collaboration between LNDC Animal Protection and Anas (Società del Polo Infrastrutture del Gruppo FS Italiane), which aims to combat accidents caused on the roads by the abandonment of animals, to try to prevent both the cruel phenomenon of abandonment and the accidents that can derive from it.
The #AMAMIeBASTA campaign invites anyone who encounters a stray or stray animal that represents a danger to traffic along the road and motorway network of Anas to inform the Police Forces on the single emergency number 112 (Police Forces and Fire Brigades ).
On the roads under Anas jurisdiction, it is also possible to report the presence of the animal to the toll-free number "Pronto Anas" 800.841.148. Furthermore, in the event that the abandonment is directly witnessed, it is important to take the license plate number of the vehicle that leaves the animal, to be reported to the authorities to facilitate the identification of the person responsible. In fact, abandonment does not only represent a cruel and dangerous act for the animal that suffers it: every year there are thousands of road accidents, often even fatal, caused by stray or stray animals and it is good to remind all citizens that those who abandon an animal not only commits a crime against the animal itself, but could also be responsible for manslaughter.
Anas, with its 32 km of road and motorway network, has for several years been committed to making motorists aware not to leave their animals on the road, also with the aim of guaranteeing greater safety for those who set out on the road. Anas is also always committed to keeping the road safe for motorists throughout the year: the roadmen, in fact, rescue many stray dogs and animals every day, which are still abandoned, not only during the summer.
The FS Group also points out that Trenitalia, the lead company of the Polo Passeggeri, has a series of initiatives in place to facilitate holidays for families and their pets. Until 15 September, our four-legged friends, including medium and large ones, travel for free on Frecce and Intercity trains every day of the week. The novelty of this summer is represented in particular by the offer dedicated to Regional trains, which joins the special Italia in Tour promo – i.e. unlimited travel for 3 days for 29 euros or 5 days for 49 euros – and allows you to bring bring your medium or large dog on board regional trains as often as you like, as long as it is on a leash and wearing a muzzle. On the other hand, small pets that enter the pet carrier with a maximum size of 70x30x50 always travel for free on Trenitalia trains. A concrete action to support the anti-abandonment campaigns already active in our country.
LNDC Animal Protection, which has more than 70 years of history behind it, is currently one of the most important associations in Italy, divided into 69 local offices, including sections and delegations, in which over 365 between volunteers and activists. Precisely thanks to this widespread structure, in 2.000 it rescued 2022 animals and guaranteed care, assistance and protection to more than 38.220 victims of abandonment and mistreatment, with the primary objective of finding a family for everyone.
The abandonment of animals, in Italy, is punished by the Penal Code (art. 727 criminal code) with the arrest of up to one year or with a fine from 1.000 to 10.000 euros for anyone who abandons pets. LNDC Animal Protection and Anas with the #AMAMIeBASTA campaign will sensitize citizens through all their social networks, information bodies and radios (Isoradio 103,3 FM), intensifying communication from now given that the highlight of the summer is now upon us and the suburban traffic will begin to intensify more and more.
The data collected by the Ministry of Health show that in many regions, especially in the South, stray dogs have reached dramatic levels and are often out of control. Abandoned dogs continue to feed the wandering population and above all the puppies that manage to survive the dangers of the road, once they are adults, represent another reservoir of strays.
Finally, Anas is once again offering users an informed journey this year. Information on the road network is available on the Stradeanas.it website in the Traffic Info/Intervention Plans section (link www.stradeanas.it/it/piani-interventi) through the corporate social channels (Facebook.com/stradeanas and the Twitter accounts @stradeanas, @VAIstradeanas and @clientiAnas) following the hashtag #esodoestivo2023, and contacting the Pronto Anas toll-free number 800.841.148 active 24/1, pressing key XNUMX for information on the traffic situation in real time, while traffic information is also available on the following channels: VAI (Integrated Anas Viability) at the address www.stradeanas.it/info-vibilità/vai; APP "VAI" by Anas, downloadable for free in the "App store" and in the "Play store"; CCISS Viaggiare Informati of the Ministry of Infrastructure in which Anas actively participates with dedicated resources and traffic data.
SOME USEFUL TIPS FOR A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY IN THE COMPANY OF YOUR PET IN THE CAR
Anas and LNDC Animal Protection wish those who are preparing to leave with their four-legged friend a safe and serene journey with some useful advice:
- If your dog is prone to motion sickness, ask your vet for advice before leaving to limit the discomfort associated with nausea.
- Partially open the window during the journey to allow in fresh air.
- Do not expose it directly to air conditioning.
- Try to drive as smoothly as possible while avoiding unnecessary acceleration and braking.
- Make sure the temperature inside the car is neither too hot nor too cold.
- On long journeys, make regular stops to allow him to drink, stretch his legs and relieve himself.
- It is always better to gradually accustom the animal to long journeys and make it travel on an empty stomach.
- Pairing travel with an enjoyable activity, such as a walk once you arrive at your destination, can help reduce anxiety and fear.
- Carry one of his toys or his blanket in the car to make the environment more familiar to him.
- Reward with caresses and affectionate words when he remains calm during the journey.
- Ignore and avoid reassure him when he agitates, barks or whimperes otherwise he risks increasing his discomfort.
For the transport of your four-legged friend it is important to comply with the rules established by the new Highway Code (art. 169 and 170) relating to the "Transport of people, animals and objects on motor vehicles, we report the relevant paragraph: "It is the transport of pets in number greater than one and in any case in conditions which constitute an impediment or danger to driving is prohibited. Only domestic animals are allowed, even more than one, provided they are kept in a special cage or container or in the rear compartment of the driver's seat specially divided by a net or other similar suitable means which, if installed permanently, must be authorized by the competent provincial office of the General Directorate of the MCTC” This means that the net and a special compartment are not necessary for the transport of a single pet, but this must in any case be insured so that it cannot be a hindrance to the driver. In case of several pets, the net and the reserved compartment are mandatory. Penalties envisaged: payment of a sum from €84,00 to €335,00. Points deducted from the licence: 1.