Dog owners in the Italian port city of Livorno will be required to wash away their pets' urine from public spaces or face fines of up to €500 (£425). The measure, introduced by Mayor Luca Salvetti, follows complaints from residents about the smell of dog urine, particularly in parks and children's play areas.
Under the new rules, dog walkers must carry water bottles and sprayers to clean pavements, benches, and even the wheels of parked cars and scooters. Pets are forbidden from urinating near doorways, windows, and entrances to shops, offices, and homes.
The city council said it was responding 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.” The measure is especially needed due to a significant rise in the number of pets, particularly dogs.
The rules apply to anyone walking a dog, whether owner or caretaker, and will be in force from 20 May to 31 October, the period deemed most critical due to higher temperatures and lower rainfall. Offenders face fines between €25 and €500 (£21 and £425).
Similar rules already exist for dog waste, requiring walkers to carry equipment to scoop up excrement. Public officials may conduct spot checks to ensure compliance. In September last year, Bolzano proposed a controversial dog tax to fund street cleaning.
