ROME, February 19 – An illegal dog breeding facility in Ponte Galeria, Rome, has drawn significant attention after its discovery on January 10. The facility, described as a “lager farm” by Patrizia Prestipino, Rome Capital’s animal rights guarantor and a Democratic Party parliamentarian, allegedly operated with blatant disregard for animal welfare.
Initial Discovery and Seizure of Animals
The initial report on January 10 quickly brought Ponte Galeria into the spotlight. Activists organized a sit-in, during which Zoophile Guards Fare Ambiente seized the animals, as explained by Guarantor Prestipino. Approximately 30 adult dogs, 4 puppies, and several cats were found on the premises, all in severely degraded conditions. Following inspections and directives from ASL Roma 3, the judicial authority ordered a fiduciary seizure of the animals. They currently remain in custody at the property as investigations continue into the facility, which lacked sanitary authorizations, was not compliant with current regulations, and suffered from poor hygiene.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Valerio Garipoli, group leader of Fratelli d’Italia in Municipio XI, condemned the discovery as “absurd.” He emphasized the urgent need to protect the animals and hold those responsible accountable. Garipoli stressed the importance of finding a suitable solution, stating, “It is essential to identify a suitable solution, in compliance with the indications of the judiciary, as well as to ensure adequate care for the animals and their eventual transfer to more appropriate areas for adoption.” The FdI group leader affirmed that Municipio XI, the Animal Rights Guarantor of Rome Capital, the Animal Welfare Department, the Local Police of Group XI Marconi, and the Zoophile Guards would continue to monitor the situation. The stated goal is to definitively resolve this deplorable situation, prioritizing animal welfare, legality, and public health.
Institutional Inspection Confirms Deplorable Conditions
Following the initial discovery, Gianluca Lanzi, President of Municipio XI, conducted an on-site inspection of the facility alongside Patrizia Prestipino. This visit confirmed the presence of approximately 30 adult dogs, 4 puppies, and several cats. Lanzi reiterated that the fiduciary seizure was ordered after ASL Roma 3’s inspections and that technical and administrative efforts are underway to find an appropriate solution, always in accordance with judicial directives.
Beyond Political Disputes: A Call for Responsibility
President Lanzi emphasized that “issues such as animal welfare, respect for legality, and the protection of public health should not become grounds for political conflict, but represent concrete responsibilities of institutions. We will continue to follow the developments of this matter closely.” He assured that attention to the Ponte Galeria case would remain high in the coming months, closely monitoring every evolution of a story that has deeply affected both citizens and administrators.
