Rogliano becomes even more pet-friendly, with a free at-home microchipping campaign for privately-owned dogs

The Municipality of Rogliano has long been a pioneer in addressing stray animal issues

Stray animal issues have reached alarming levels across the whole region of Calabria, with overcrowded kennels and an increase in the number of abandoned puppies and unmonitored animals that include both strays and privately-owned pets. However, despite this bleak scenario, Rogliano is emerging as a model community, taking active steps to tackle these challenges and fostering a community where humans and animals can coexist in harmony, respecting each other’s needs.

The Municipality of Rogliano has long been a pioneer in addressing stray animal issues and is now continuing its efforts with the implemention of a free at-home microchipping campaign for privately-owned dogs. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Save the Dogs Foundation, which operates on a national and international level, and the local Amici Animali di Franco e Fufi association. The campaign involves 200 free micro-chipping services provided directly at the owners’ homes and two dedicated “Microchip Days”, during which owners can bring their dogs to designated locations for the procedure. In addition to the service itself, the campaign also aims to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of micro-chipping. Aside from being legally required, microchips are essential for locating a dog in case of loss or abandonment, facilitating international travel with pets, and even claiming veterinary expenses on tax returns.  

The campaign involves 200 free microchipping services provided directly at the owners’ homes and two dedicated “Microchip Days”

“This campaign is part of the broader programming by the Municipal Administration aimed at promoting animal welfare and emphasizing the importance of education and prevention, both of which are key principles for responsible pet ownership. Micro-chipping your pet is not only a legal obligation; it is a responsible action for animals and the community, in equal measures. By investing in preventive measures like micro-chipping and sterilization, we can also reduce the costs borne by the municipal administration for managing abandoned and stray dogs, which must be housed in shelters as required by law. Our aim is therefore to send a clear message about our commitment to protecting companion animals and encouraging pet owners to embrace their responsibilities. The collaboration of all involved is needed in order to foster the cultural growth of our community,” commented Maria Salvino, Councilor for Associations, Volunteering, and Events for the Municipality of Rogliano.

“Rogliano is one of the first municipalities in Calabria to have implemented a targeted program to combat stray animals several years ago, and this has significantly reduced the number of dogs in the municipal shelter, thereby saving the local administration considerable maintenance costs. In 2002, these expenses amounted to around 35,000 Euros.   

The campaign also aims to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of micro-chipping

Animal welfare is a fundamental part of our vision. This is why we recently approved the Municipal Regulation for Combating Animal Cruelty and Stray Animals, as outlined in Calabria Regional Law N° 45 of 2023. Our free at-home micro-chipping project is designed to facilitate compliance with the national legislation for all residents of Rogliano and to accommodate the needs of those who, for various reasons, face challenges in transporting their pets to the ATS public health service or a local veterinary clinic.

These initiatives represent tangible progress in a region where such actions are rare. We are determined to make a difference and remain committed to being active participants in this transformative effort,” emphasized Giovanni Altomare, Mayor of Rogliano.

The microchipping campaign forms part of the “Too Many Puppies” program by Save the Dogs which is aimed at addressing the issue of stray animals throughout the municipality. This comprehensive project not only provides free at-home micro-chipping, but also sterilizations carried out free of charge for dogs and cats, along with educational sessions to raise awareness among local citizens about the responsible care of their pets.

“Raising community awareness about these issues is fundamental for reducing cases of abandonment and unwanted litters, which often end up on the streets and exacerbate the stray animal crisis. So far, we have sterilized 1,206 dogs and 174 cats, and have micro-chipped 282 animals across Calabria through the Too Many Puppies’ project. This ambitious program has been made possible thanks to the support of local organizations such as ‘Amici Animali di Franco e Fufi’ and the proactive involvement of institutions such as the Municipality of Rogliano, which has once again demonstrated its dedication to the welfare of companion animals,” said Alessandra Farina, Project Manager of ‘Too Many Puppies’ at the Save the Dogs Foundation.

The project relies on the active collaboration of all parties involved: the Municipality of Rogliano will cover the costs of the registration forms required by the local ATS (Health Protection Agency); Save the Dogs Foundation will fund sterilization procedures and micro-chip insertion; and the local organization Amici Animali di Franco e Fufi, together with a local veterinarian, will oversee the implementation and day-to-day activities of the campaign.