The recent judgment No. 13783 of 2022, filed on April 3, 2023, addresses a highly relevant issue in the field of animal legislation and public health protection. In particular, the Court examined the matter of possessing dangerous animals, establishing important clarifications on regulatory continuity following the repeal of the previous 1992 law. This article aims to analyze the salient points of the judgment and their impact on current regulations.
According to the judgment, it is highlighted that the offense of unlawful possession of dangerous animals, provided for by art. 6 of Law No. 150 of 1992, was formally repealed by art. 16 of Legislative Decree No. 132 of 2022. However, the Court ruled that regulatory continuity exists, as the new legislation provides for similar offenses and more severe penalties for unlawful conduct.
Offense of unlawful possession of dangerous animals for public health and safety under art. 6, paragraph 1, Law No. 150 of 1992 – Repeal by effect of art. 16, paragraph 1, letter a), Legislative Decree No. 132 of 2022 – New offense provided for and punished by arts. 4 and 14, paragraph 2, Legislative Decree No. 132 of 2022 – Regulatory continuity – Existence.
The judgment refers to articles 4 and 14 of Legislative Decree No. 132 of 2022, which provide for new sanctions for the possession of dangerous animals. In particular:
These new provisions aim to ensure greater protection for public health and safety, reflecting the evolution of social awareness regarding animal welfare and the risks associated with possessing dangerous species.
Judgment No. 13783 of 2022 represents a significant step in the fight against the unlawful possession of dangerous animals. It confirms regulatory continuity, emphasizing how, despite the repeal of the 1992 law, the new legislative provisions are capable of ensuring adequate protection for public health. In a context where animal protection and community safety are increasingly at the center of attention, it is crucial for citizens to understand the importance of respecting the relevant regulations.