Signature collection against begging with animals: the city mobilizes after the video of the homeless man who mistreated his dogs

Pavia, May 10, 2025 – Two months ago , a video shot by a girl passing by under the porticoes of Varesine had caused outcry and indignation, in which a homeless person could be seen hitting and tugging at his dog, while another was standing nearby perhaps to take shelter and enjoy the warm air from the heating of a shop. Pavia was so shocked by that event, which unfortunately was not an isolated one, but which is repeated throughout Lombardy, where the phenomenon of begging with animals is growing exponentially and is therefore difficult to control, because it is managed by a real racket , that it launched a petition.

Analysis of the phenomenon

Behind the beggars , in fact, there would be a criminal organization that speculates on defenseless beings by having them arrive from the East packed into trucks, distributing them among those who live by their wits who are assigned strategic positions, usually in the most luxurious streets of the cities. The animal therefore, almost always, is not the life companion of the beggar, it passes from hand to hand and is forced for hours, even under the sun or the rain, sedated and often beaten, to remain still to beg, thus instilling pity in passers-by who give money with the hope that it will be used also and above all for the care of the animal, most of the time visibly suffering. Unfortunately, however, these animals do not receive veterinary prophylaxis putting the entire territory at risk of zoonosis, the majority have fictitious books, are exploited for the sole purpose of profit and cannot defend themselves. Some dogs are sold by the racket to homeless drug addicts so that it becomes easier for them to collect money to buy their daily dose.

The vicious circle

A never-ending vicious circle where the ones who pay the price are defenseless beings who cannot rebel, thus being exploited endlessly. The Animal Task Force, Association for the legislative protection of animals and the environment , claims that many dogs are also stolen from their real owners, so much so that the chip implanted in their necks does not correspond to the chip they have on their health booklet and for this reason they invite families not to leave their dog unattended, especially if it is a puppy or a small dog. There are very few, therefore, true homeless people who love their animals and take care of them, they rarely ask passers-by for money, but they turn to associations and charitable works, with the hope that dormitories and shelters will soon be built that can accommodate dogs and owners in difficulty.

Animal welfare support and initiatives

The Municipality of Pavia, thanks to the councilors Angela Gregorini (animal protection) and Lorenzo Goppa (environment) , has decided to support the popular bill promoted by Carolina Sala, president of the Animal Rights Task Force , which calls for a ban on the exploitation of any animal species for the practice of begging.

"This is an awareness initiative that we are happy to share. The care and well-being of animals are an important goal for our administration: the majority of Pavia citizens have decided to welcome an animal into their family and this means that our task is also to create the best and most effective conditions so that four-legged friends are protected and safeguarded", say the councilors.

Gaia Animali e Ambiente, Oipa Milano, Enpa Voghera, Su la Testa, Crazy Cats and Fronte Animalista , all associations that deal with animal welfare, have also joined the bill. Citizens can go to the Town Hall to sign the files certified by the Lombardy Region no later than June 30. 5,000 signatures are needed for the bill to pass in the Regional Council.