OIPA Italy is intensifying its opposition to Italy’s proposed hunting bill, commonly referred to as the DDL Caccia, currently under examination by the Italian Parliament as Bill No. C.2984 (formerly Senate Bill No. 552). According to OIPA, the proposal would significantly weaken existing wildlife protection measures, increase hunting pressure on numerous species, and raise concerns regarding public safety and compliance with European environmental legislation.
As part of its institutional advocacy, OIPA Italy was officially invited to present its position before the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on 7 July. During the parliamentary hearing, OIPA outlined its legal, scientific and environmental concerns regarding the proposed reform, arguing that several provisions could conflict with the Italian Constitution, the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and the principles underpinning Italy’s current Wildlife Protection Act (Law No. 157/1992).
In its submission to Parliament, OIPA warned that the bill would substantially expand hunting opportunities by extending hunting seasons, enlarging the list of huntable species, reducing restrictions on hunting locations, and weakening the role of scientific oversight provided by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). The organisation also expressed concern that hunting activities could be allowed in additional public areas, including state forests and other natural environments frequently used by hikers, birdwatchers, photographers and families.
OIPA further stressed that the proposed legislation could expose Italy to infringement proceedings by the European Union if provisions found to be incompatible with EU environmental law were ultimately adopted. The organisation also highlighted the potential economic consequences that such procedures could have for Italian taxpayers.
Beyond its parliamentary engagement, OIPA Italy is playing a leading role in the broader civil society response to the proposal. The organisation is part of a coalition of 57 environmental and animal protection organisations that has been urging Parliament for months not to approve the reform, calling instead for legislation that strengthens wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.
OIPA has also been among the most active organisations promoting legislative alternatives. It was one of the four founding organisations behind a citizens’ initiative bill calling for the abolition of hunting in Italy. In less than two months, the initiative collected more than 70,000 certified signatures, demonstrating significant public support for stronger wildlife protection.
Alongside its institutional work, OIPA continues to organise and support peaceful public demonstrations across the country. New protests against the proposed hunting reform are scheduled to take place in Verona and Treviso on 24 July, as part of the organisation’s ongoing campaign to raise public awareness and encourage political dialogue.
OIPA remains fully available for constructive and transparent dialogue with institutions, the hunting sector and agricultural stakeholders, the organisation stated during its parliamentary hearing, reaffirming its commitment to science-based policies that protect wildlife, biodiversity and public safety.
