Bolzano, a city in Italy’s South Tyrol region, has announced a new tax on dogs that will apply to both residents and visiting tourists from 2026. Under the proposal, tourists bringing dogs will pay €1.50 per day, while local residents may face an annual fee of around €100 for owning a dog. Authorities say the revenue will be used for street cleaning, dog parks and maintaining public spaces affected by pet waste. However, the plan has sparked criticism from animal rights groups, who argue it unfairly penalizes responsible pet owners and could discourage adoption. Supporters claim the tax will improve cleanliness and facilities. The debate highlights the tension between civic maintenance and animal welfare in modern cities.
