Sometimes, as we all do, I have doubts about the goodness of mankind about where humanity's head is. Sometimes it seems that people just do not understand what is important anymore than that because we can do something doesn't mean we should.

Muttmonthly has always been a big believer that if you accept a dog into your home as a pet you should treat that animal with love and respect. Your dog has a place in your family and that is not on a pedestal just to be displayed-- especially since dogs offer you unconditional love. They hope that you care and love them in turn

We were tickled to hear about some new laws passed in Turin, Italy recently regarding the treatment of your animal. In some homes dogs are not treated properly and unfortunately there is no law that can make people do otherwise. Turin decided to change that.

In Turin you, as owner of a dog, are liable for a fine up to $650 if you do not walk your dog at least three times a day. This allows not only for the dogs natual functions but to help keep the animals healthy.

Turin has taken their laws a step further. People are banned from dyeing the color of their pets fur or any other type of animal mutilation for purely cosmetic reasons. Under this law docking of dogs tails such as on Dobermans or Jack Russels will also be illegal. These laws, just passed by the council, are one step closer to a future of fully humane treatment of animals.

Prior to these laws Italians could be fined up to 10,000 Euros and spend up to a year in jail for animal abuse or abandonment. The new laws act as guidelines for dog owners on proper pet management. Many people do not see the harm in dyeing their dogs and other such things, in fact, they may see it as pampering their pet. But Italian law states that these new rules will not allow people to turn their pets into fluffy toys but will help teach people to treat animals with respect.

The law goes into other details such as walking your dog while riding your bike, which is allowed as long as you are going at a slow pace and the dog is not in any discomfort and that the dog would not tire too much.

Turin seems like a progressive place. We would like to take a trip there...with Fido!

- Facts found from CNN.com Offbeat news Monday, April 25, 2005 Posted: 4:35 AM EDT (0835 GMT)


By: Guinness
Contributing Writer

Send us your Off The Leash to editor@muttmonthly.com! Be sure to put Off The Leash in the subject line and review our submission guidelines.