The paradox of stray dogs in the province of Ragusa: significant sums have been spent, yet dogs are still on the streets

Over two million euros in just one year for the management of dogs housed in the kennels of the province of Ragusa. This is what emerges from the analysis of the expenses incurred by local administrations in 2024 to tackle stray dogs.

The total expenditure exceeds 2.1 million euros, to which are added reimbursements from the Sicilian Region: over 620 thousand euros allocated to the municipalities in the area to partially cover costs.

Among the beneficiaries of regional contributions, the highest figure concerns Modica, which has been allocated 272,676 euros. This is followed by Ragusa with 110,038 euros and Vittoria with 95,071 euros. Ispica and Chiaramonte Gulfi each receive 41,109 euros, while Comiso and Acate stand at 21,668 euros each. Completing the picture are Giarratana with 22,643 euros, Santa Croce Camerina with 20,409 euros, and Pozzallo with 18,588 euros.

Resources mainly allocated for the maintenance of animals in contracted facilities.

“The most striking figure is that of Modica,” observe those from Oipa Ragusa, emphasizing how the amount attributed to the County's municipality ranks among the highest in Sicily for reimbursements related to stray dogs.

A volume of spending that, according to the association, calls for a reflection on the policies adopted.

The funds are indeed largely absorbed by the costs of boarding and managing the kennels, a category that continues to significantly burden municipal budgets.

The organization also raises a pertinent question about the effectiveness of the investments: “Are all these funds really solving the problem of stray dogs?”.

According to volunteers, the area still sees dogs wandering the streets, facilities at the limit of capacity, and citizens personally engaged in taking in rescued animals. A situation that, they emphasize, also affects feline colonies.

The Oipa also reports marked differences among the various centers in the province. The only municipality where, according to them, periodic meetings with all associations are held would be Ragusa; elsewhere, the dialogue with volunteers appears almost absent.

“Stray animals cannot be fought with electoral promises,” the association reiterates, “but with prevention, sterilizations, controls, and real collaboration with those who work in the field every day.”