Italy Opens €1 Million Annual Fund for Animals Seized From Fighting Cases

Italy has put a new funding mechanism in place to help cover the cost of caring for animals seized or confiscated in fighting cases, giving rescue organizations a source of public support for one of the most expensive stages of an animal cruelty investigation.

The Italian Ministry of Labour and Social Policies says €1 million has been allocated for 2026 and another €1 million for 2027. The money is intended to cover custody and care costs for animals taken from fighting operations, as well as certain animals with behavioral problems that are placed with specialized facilities supported or managed by Third Sector organizations.

The measure was created through Italy's 2026 budget law. A ministry decree issued in June set out how the money can be accessed, used and distributed.

That distinction matters because removing an animal from an illegal fighting operation is only the beginning of the process. Once authorities seize a dog or another animal, someone still has to pay for secure housing, food, veterinary treatment and, in many cases, behavioral rehabilitation.

Animals connected to criminal investigations may remain in care for extended periods while legal proceedings continue. They can also arrive with medical or behavioral needs that make ordinary shelter placement difficult.

Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem, which have worked on efforts against dogfighting in Italy, welcomed the funding rules. The organizations have argued that specialized rehabilitation is often necessary before rescued animals can move toward adoption or another permanent placement.

The government measure is broader than a simple rescue grant. It specifically addresses the ongoing custody costs created when authorities seize or confiscate animals under Italy's criminal provisions on animal fighting.

For rescue groups, that can remove part of a difficult financial gap. Enforcement agencies can stop an illegal operation, but the long term cost of caring for the animals does not disappear once the investigation begins.

The new fund is expected to support facilities with the expertise to handle animals that need structured behavioral recovery in addition to routine shelter care.

Italy's approach also puts more attention on what happens after a seizure. Animal welfare cases can involve weeks or months of work after the initial intervention, and the quality of that care can affect whether an animal is ultimately able to live safely in a home.

The ministry has now published the framework for organizations seeking access to the funds. The allocation is €1 million for 2026 and €1 million for 2027, for a total of €2 million across the two years.

How we reported this: Buddylio reviewed the named sources, checked the organizations and figures shown above, and added context for animal lovers. Any illustration is labeled and does not depict the actual animals or scene. Articles are editorial content, not veterinary advice.