Bolzano, a picturesque tourist town in northern Italy serving as a gateway to the Dolomite mountains, has announced plans to impose a daily tax on visiting dogs beginning in 2026. The measure will require tourists to pay €1.50 (approximately $2) per day for each canine companion accompanying them to the destination, according to CNN.
This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to address persistent cleanliness issues in the alpine town, where uncollected dog waste has become a concern for local authorities. City officials maintain that the collected funds will be used to offset street-cleaning costs and to help develop dedicated dog parks throughout Bolzano.
Local Residents Will Also Be Required To Pay Dog Tax
The tax policy isn’t exclusively targeting tourists and their pets. Bolzano residents who own dogs will also be required to pay an annual tax of €100 (approximately $117) per dog when the measure takes effect in 2026. The new taxation scheme follows an earlier attempt to address dog waste problems through a more technologically advanced approach. Despite the introduction of the new tax, dog owners will still be responsible for cleaning up after their pets in public spaces.
The city maintains strict penalties for those who fail to do so, with fines ranging from €200 to €600 ($234 to $702) for violations.
“Unfortunately, dog waste is often not cleaned up, especially in tourist areas, which causes problems. That’s why people are asking for a clear and practical solution,” explained a representative from the Bolzano Tourist Office in a statement quoted by Travel Market Report.
Mixed Reactions From Animal Advocacy Groups And Officials
The proposed dog tax has generated divided opinions. Animal protection associations have been particularly critical of the initiative. Carla Rocchi, president of the National Animal Protection Association (Enpa), stated, “This action not only penalizes families and tourists who choose to travel with their dogs, but also sends a deeply flawed message: turning animals into ATMs.”
Meanwhile, Provincial Councilor Luis Walcher defended the measure, saying, “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.”
