Sicily Wants to Make You a Dog Adoption Offer You Can’t Refuse

by
Sicily Wants to Make You a Dog Adoption Offer You Can’t Refuse

A recent announcement from the small Sicilian town of Mascalucia has offered a solution to Italy’s notorious stray animal problem: tax breaks for dog adoption.

Tax 1

Image Source: reddit.com

Similar proposals have been floated by Italian municipal governments in the past, but with 2.1 trillion other things to think about, lawmakers have mostly ignored them. However, there are an estimated 450,000 stray dogs in Italy, with the heaviest concentrations in poorer Southern regions like Sicily and Naples. It’s a problem that’s only going to continue to snowball if left unchecked.

Tax 2

Image Source: margieinitaly.wordpress.com

We’re hoping that Mascalucia’s enlightened policy encourages other towns and cities to do likewise. It offers a 50% discount on trash removal to new adopters for three full years after they adopt—a substantial savings on a necessary public utility.

Tax 3

Image Source: flickr.com

The incentives aren’t just appealing to prospective dog owners, though. Mascalucia spends an estimated 150,000 ($170,970) annually looking after stray animals, so they stand to recoup at least some of what they lose in fees.

Aside from all the obvious monetary benefits, one of the main goals is also to give as many stray dogs as possible loving forever homes. Over 55% of Italian households have at least one pet, so at this point, everyone should get in on the action!

Tax 4

Image Source: cafepress.com

Only time will tell if the policy is a success, but implementing it is the first step. Shamed former Prime Minister and “bunga bunga” enthusiast Silvio Berlusconi had once attempted to appeal to voters by touting the idea of free vet care to those who want to adopt but don’t have the money. He cited his 29-year old girlfriend’s love for her own poodle, Dudu. The proposal fell silent amongst his ongoing bribery, defamation, abuse of office, and underage sex trials.

Tax 5

Image Source: dailymail.co.uk

Fewer strays also means fewer animals that aren’t spayed or neutered, so we’re pretty sure Bob Barker would approve of this plan. 

Check out this site devoted to Bob Barker fan art (who even knew there was such a thing?)

Tax 6

Image Source: quickmeme.com

Comments

Recent Pics

  •   Newest member of KISS Read More
  •   Oh no! They put all their eggs in one basket Read More
  •   Saving Gotham one can of Fancy Feast at a time Read More
  •   OH I get kissing now. You kiss me and I kiss me Read More
  •   When your boss says you can go home early Read More
  •   Bad luck? No way! Read More
  •   What everyone in LA looks like when it rains in July Read More
  •   And the MTV Award for best kiss goes to Read More
  •   My terrifying Little Pony Read More
  •   Oh Dude, get in this selfie right now Read More
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use & Privacy Policy