Italy: Parliament considers ban on horse meat

Italy is currently debating a draft law that would legally classify horses, donkeys, and mules as companion animals. This proposed redefinition would result in a ban on the slaughter, sale, and consumption of horse meat. 

The draft bill provides for fines of up to €100,000 and prison sentences of up to three years for violations. It also introduces mandatory microchip registration and a national monitoring system for equines. 

The initiator justifies the proposal by citing growing concern for animal welfare and evolving social values. The bill is currently progressing through the parliamentary legislative process.