Yes, keeping roadkill in Italy is permitted under strict conditions, primarily governed by national environmental and health laws. The Codice della Strada (Road Code) and Regolamento di Polizia Veterinaria (Veterinary Police Regulation) outline protocols for reporting and handling carcasses. Local Aziende Sanitarie Locali (ASLs) and Corpi Forestali dello Stato enforce compliance, with recent 2026 amendments tightening biosecurity measures.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Italy
- Reporting Obligations: Roadkill must be reported to local authorities (ASLs or municipal police) within 24 hours under Decreto Legislativo 152/2006 (Environmental Code). Failure to report risks fines up to €5,000.
- Permitted Use: Carcasses may be kept for personal use (e.g., taxidermy, consumption) only if declared safe by ASL veterinarians. Commercial use requires additional permits from the Ministero della Salute.
- Biosecurity Protocols: Handling must comply with Regolamento (UE) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law). Improper disposal (e.g., leaving carcasses on-site) violates Legge 157/1992 (Wildlife Protection Act), attracting penalties.
Critical Considerations:
- Species Restrictions: Protected species (e.g., wolves, bears) under Legge 157/1992 cannot be kept without special authorization from the Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA).
- Transport Rules: Moving carcasses across regional borders requires prior approval from destination authorities, per Decreto del Presidente della Repubblica 357/1997.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: New EU-wide traceability mandates (effective 2026) will require digital registration of all kept roadkill via the Sistema Informativo Nazionale per la Tracciabilità Animale (SINTA).