We were pleased to participate in the Pet Welfare Forum. Here's a summary of the event.

At the first session, our president, Sara Turetta, joined a debate on the societal impact of pet abandonment and the challenges of managing companion animals

From 16-18 October, the Pet Welfare Forum brought industry leaders together in Milan for three days of events focused on exchanging expertise. Our Foundation proudly partnered with the event, contributing to two sessions on crucial issues: managing dog and cat overpopulation and promoting sterilization efforts.

Our president, Sara Turetta, on stage at the Pet Welfare Forum

At the first session, our president, Sara Turetta, joined a debate on the societal impact of pet abandonment and the challenges of managing companion animals.

Drawing on our experience at Footprints of Joy, our shelter in Romania, we addressed key issues by highlighting the large number of domestic animals found in shelters, breeding facilities, online marketplaces, and strays living on the streets.

We also emphasized the need for effective pet management practices, particularly the role of sterilization, as a means to combat canine and feline overpopulation.

Sterilization marathons

Our second presentation focused on sterilization and was led by Alessandra Farina, head of the Too Many Puppies program, with a talk entitled: “Sterilization Marathons: a model to follow in addressing the canine and feline overpopulation crisis”.

These marathons, or spayathons, provide crucial support to families who do not have the financial means to pay for the procedure

Those who have been following us for some time know that we regularly organize these sterilization marathons at our shelter in Romania, and we are working to bring this model to Italy as well, albeit on a smaller scale.

Read also: How a spayathon works. Behind the scenes of a sterilization marathon

These marathons, or spayathons, provide crucial support to families who do not have the financial means to pay for the procedure, as well as dispelling misconceptions about sterilization, while assisting small associations, sanctuaries, and volunteers with limited resources. They also help reduce the number of stray animals and the number of admissions to shelters.

There are currently over 400,000 stray dogs in Italy

In Italy, the number of stray dogs (both abandoned and those that have owners but are unmanaged) ranges between 400,000 and 700,000, with the largest numbers in regions such as Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, and Lazio. The situation for stray cats is probably even more acute, although figures are only approximate and are almost certainly underestimated. 

There is still a great need in our country for targeted funding aimed at preventing overpopulation and promoting a culture of responsible pet ownership and coexistence with dogs and cats. We also need to develop programs that involve organizations with international expertise that can train veterinarians, local authorities, ATS (local health units), and volunteer groups.  

Read also: Keeping dogs confined to shelters will not resolve overpopulation: sterilization is the solution

The risk we currently face is a return to the practice of euthanasia in kennels and catteries, which, as demonstrated by the situation in Romania where we have been active for over twenty years, would not be a concrete solution to the problem. 

Sterilization is the only effective way to control the stray animal population, and we were thankful to have the opportunity to discuss this key issue at such an important forum.