Rome bans dogs' choke collars, cat manicures

Associated Press
Wednesday, October 26, 2005

ROME -- Rome city council has passed an animal-rights bill banning choke collars, the cutting of a cat's nails or the bobbing of a dog's tail to make a pet prettier.

The measures also include a ban on separating kittens and puppies from their mothers before two months of age.

The protection package is so detailed it even forbids the use of classic, round fish bowls, Rome daily newspaper Il Messaggero noted Tuesday.

Young puppies and kittens can only be taken from their mothers early in life if a veterinarian certifies there is grave reason. It is also forbidden to leave animals in closed vehicles in the sun in the warm months from April through October.

Among the measures is one specifying that "wild or exotic" animals cannot be chained.