The city of Bolzano in northern Italy has declared its intention to charge visitors accompanied by dogs a daily fee; this proposal has already generated controversy around the nation. Visitors will have to pay EUR 1.50 per dog per night starting in 2026. The rule also applies to local owners who will also have to pay an annual charge. Animal welfare organisations have slammed the decision as unjust and ineffective, but authorities claim the additional fees are required to pay for municipal expenses associated with dog ownership, specifically waste management and public cleaning.
Luis Walcher, a provincial councillor, made the proposal, which adds two more levies. In Bolzano, visitors who bring their pets must pay EUR 1.50 per animal every night. In the meantime, each dog owned by locals would incur an annual tax of about EUR 100. Nonetheless, there is a motivation to promote adherence to current regulations. For the first two years, owners who have registered their pets under the city's DNA monitoring system—which was implemented in 2024—will not be required to pay the annual charge.
The purpose of this DNA method is to identify pet owners who neglect to clean up after their animals. The current program imposes fines of between EUR 200 and EUR 600 for failing to pick up canine excrement. The council has said that by focussing the costs on dog owners rather than the general public, this set of policies guarantees responsibility and equity.
According to Bolzano officials, the purpose of the charge is to finance services that are directly related to dog ownership. The city has drawn attention to how costly it is to manage waste disposal, preserve green spaces, and keep roadways clean, especially in places that receive a lot of foot traffic. Proponents of the plan argue that it is only fair to transfer these expenses to people who travel with or own dogs. According to Walcher, residents who do not own dogs shouldn't be responsible for paying for programs that only help a small percentage of the population.
Additionally, the endeavour expands upon previous regulatory actions. One of the first programs of its kind in Italy, the required DNA registration of dogs, has already provided authorities with the means to more successfully enforce cleanliness regulations. In order to ensure accountability and offset municipal expenses, the new tax is viewed as the next step.
Animal protection organisations have been adamantly against the plan. The Italian National Animal Protection Agency (ENPA) has warned that the charge may discourage responsible pet ownership, registration, or even adoption. Carla Rocchi, the president of ENPA, referred to the plan as "shortsighted" and insisted that better civic education and strict enforcement of existing laws would have more lasting impacts than more taxes.
Concerns have also been expressed by critics regarding the possible impact on tourism. Since Bolzano is a popular destination all year round, especially as a starting point for trips to the Dolomites, some people worry that the higher cost would put off vacationers who would rather bring their pets. The feasibility of collecting the money and whether it would result in needless administrative obstacles have also been questioned.
The levy is still being discussed and has not yet been passed into law. If adopted, it would take effect in 2026 and generate funds particularly for dog-related municipal services, such as waste removal, park upkeep, and cleaning. Opposition groups continue to push for alternatives that they claim would be more successful and less punitive, despite the municipal government's emphasis on the tax's focus on justice and shared responsibility.
For the time being, Bolzano is at the focus of a national discussion concerning tourism, civic duty, and the expenses of pet ownership. Other Italian cities dealing with comparable issues will probably be closely following Bolzano's eventual decision.
1. Which Italian city is introducing a daily dog tax?
The northern Italian city of Bolzano has announced plans to introduce the levy.
2. How much will tourists have to pay for dogs in Bolzano?
Visitors will be charged EUR 1.50 per dog per night from 2026.
3. Will local residents also have to pay the tax?
Yes, local dog owners will face an annual fee of around EUR 100 per animal.
4. Are there any exemptions to the new tax?
Owners who register their dogs under Bolzano’s DNA tracking system will be exempt from the annual fee for two years.
5. Why is Bolzano introducing this dog levy?
Authorities say the tax will fund municipal services such as street cleaning, park maintenance, and waste management, which are significantly impacted by dogs.
6. What penalties exist for not cleaning up after dogs?
Under Bolzano’s DNA registration scheme, owners who fail to pick up waste can face fines between EUR 200 and EUR 600.
7. When will the dog tax come into effect?
The levy is proposed to begin in 2026, pending approval.
8. Why are animal welfare groups opposing the measure?
Groups like ENPA argue the tax is unfair, could discourage pet ownership and adoption, and believe better civic education and enforcement would be more effective solutions.
(With inputs from various sources.)