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The new plan is part of a wider and controversial clampdown on canines in the pristine destination, a gateway to the Dolomite mountains.
Local owners will be asked to pay an annual tax of 100 euros per dog. (Representative Image)
To counter overtourism, many countries or cities impose fees on visitors. From 2026, the owners of dogs visiting the northern Italian city of Bolzano will be hounded for a daily tax of 1.50 euros (Rs 156).
According to a report by CNN, the new plan is part of a wider and controversial clampdown on canines in the pristine destination, a gateway to the Dolomite mountains.
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Besides, local owners will be asked to pay an annual tax of 100 euros (Rs 10,413) per dog.
This tax comes amid another contentious measure: requiring owners to pay to have their dogs’ DNA registered so that uncollected droppings can be matched to the culprit and fines issued, CNN reported. Currently, dog owners are filed up to 600 euros (Rs 62,482) every time they fail to pick up the droppings of their pets.
According to Provincial Councilor Luis Walcher, those who have already complied with the DNA registry will be exempt from the new levy for two years.
He said: “This is a fair measure because it concerns dog owners exclusively. Otherwise, sidewalk cleaning would be the responsibility of the entire community, when it must be said that the only filth on our city streets is dog waste.
Meanwhile, Carla Rocchi of ENPA, a national animal protection body, has opposed the move.
“The Province of Bolzano scores an own goal with the tax on dogs and even on four-legged tourists. “After the resounding and costly failure of the absurd dog DNA project, instead of focusing on civic education, targeted checks, and citizen awareness, we’re once again choosing the easy way out: taxing animals and their owners,” she said in a statement.
“It’s paradoxical that in an area that thrives on tourism and hospitality, we’re targeting precisely those who choose a respectful and inclusive vacation, bringing their four-legged companion along,” she added.
Italy
September 25, 2025, 04:17 IST
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