Invasive alien species: extended the deadline for reporting pet ownership
On July 25th a decree (called “milleproroghe”) which postponed to August 31st, 2019, the deadline to notify the ownership of invasive alien species of Union concern was approved; therefore private owners of pets, like the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta ssp.) and some species of alien squirrels, have one year more to fulfill this duty.
The notification of ownership is indeed mandatory according to the Decree 15 December 2017, n. 230, which adapts the Italian legislation to the regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on invasive alien species.
To comply with this obligation, you should complete the form that can be found here: www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/denuncia_possesso_pets_1.docx (your vet could help you!) and send it to the Ministry of the Environment through certified email (“PEC”), fax or registered letter. The sending receipt automatically authorizes the owner to keep his pet until the end of its natural life. The list of invasive alien species of Union concern is available here: http://www.specieinvasive.it/index.php/it/specie-di-rilevanza-unionale/specie-di-rilevanza-unionale-2