Stray animals

We're all sharing the spaces we live in with other people and animals. But this coexistence needs people to take responsibility for looking after shared spaces and follow the rules to keep everyone safe and well.
So, we really need to focus on stray animals, cat colonies and the risks of poisoning.

Stray animal management

Any pet can potentially become a stray animal. So, Regional Law No. 2 of 7 February 2020 is all about stopping and controlling strays, while making sure we're respectful of animal welfare and public health.


As well as adopting an annual regional plan for the prevention of stray animals, Puglia requires local councils to set up facilities like dog shelters and sanitary kennels. These are run with the help of animal welfare organisations and offer shelter to stray dogs. They also keep records of the animals they take in, run sterilisation campaigns and encourage people to adopt.

If you see a stray dog, don't get involved. Just call the local police, who'll get the local health authority involved to take care of the dog in a local dedicated facility. If the dog has a microchip, they'll probably just return it to its owner. The same reporting procedure applies to stray cats.

Cat colonies

Stray cats living on our streets are protected, and it's against the law to mistreat them or take them away from where they've chosen to live.
Local councils, along with the vets at the local health authority and volunteers from animal welfare organisations, are responsible for identifying and registering cat colonies so that they can be monitored and kept safe.


Cats in registered cat colonies are neutered by ASL vets and then returned to their group so they can continue to live freely, without the risk of overpopulation. They can only be caught for neutering or if they need to get medical treatment.


Registered colonies can be managed by organisations or individual citizens. Just ask your local council and they'll tell you about how you can become a cat colony guardian. If you decide to take on this role and become responsible for their food, care and neutering, you'll make a really important contribution to making sure these animals are healthy and survive. The local health authority's vet team does the neutering.

If you're thinking of taking on the responsibility of managing a cat colony, it's important to keep the area clean, avoid leaving food around, and respect the rules about public sanitation.

If you spot a cat colony, have a look at your local council's website or get in touch with your local health authority's veterinary services to find out about the procedures and requirements.

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