Rome has its first social veterinary clinic
The first LAV social veterinary clinic opened today on Viale Regina Margherita, in partnership with the Community of Sant’Egidio.
Councillor for Agriculture and Environment Alfonsi stressed the importance of the project for social justice, highlighting how pets often alleviate the loneliness of homeless people. She also spoke about the Public Veterinary Hospital at the Muratella Kennel to ensure the right to care for animals.
Councillor for Social Policies and Health Funari explained that offering veterinary care to animals from families in economic hardship is a sign of civility. She expressed hope that other Italian cities will follow Rome’s example to support the elderly who consider animals members of the family, contributing to their psychological and physical well-being.
Roma Capitale’s Garante degli Animali Patrizia Prestipino added that it is crucial to support those who care for animals. She praised the method of bringing services closer to people in need, considering it a model for institutions to follow, as the Gualtieri administration has already done.
The Public Animal Hospital
The Public Veterinary Hospital at the Muratella dog pound in Rome will be the first free, public veterinary hospital in Italy. The opening date has not yet been announced. This project aims to provide free health care for companion animals with a 24-hour emergency room, diagnostic laboratories, operating rooms, and an area for intensive care and post-surgical hospitalization.