Italians Can Now Take Paid Sick Leave To Care For Sick Pets

Italy has introduced a legal framework that allows employees to take paid leave to care for sick pets.

This follows a 2017 court ruling, known as the Cucciola case, which determined that urgent pet care can be considered a “serious personal or family reason” under labour law.

Employees seeking this type of leave must provide a veterinary certificate confirming that the animal requires urgent attention. This documentation is used to verify the need for absence from work.

The ruling is linked to Italy’s animal protection laws. Article 727 of the Italian Penal Code states that leaving an animal in a state of grave suffering can lead to criminal penalties.

Courts have interpreted this as placing a responsibility on owners to care for their animals, including in situations involving illness or injury.

Animal protection organisations supported the ruling, arguing that owners should not be forced to choose between work obligations and caring for a sick animal.

They stated that urgent care for pets should be treated similarly to other personal or family emergencies.

Should Malta implement this?

#MaltaDaily