Legal Notice

Prepared by the Italian League for Bird Protection (L.I.P.U.), Bologna and Metropolitan City Delegation

A) According to Article 727, first paragraph, of the Italian Penal Code, the release of non-native animal species into the national territory constitutes the crime of “Animal Abandonment”;

B) According to Regional Law No. 5 of February 17, 2005, Article 8, paragraph 1, in the Emilia-Romagna Region, the release of non-native animal species is prohibited;

C) According to Regional Law No. 15 of July 31, 2006, Article 3, paragraph 1, letter d, in the Emilia-Romagna Region, the release of non-native animal species that may harm native protected animal species is prohibited. This includes native Lepidoptera, which would obviously be severely affected by the introduction of non-native Lepidoptera;

D) Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 of December 9, 1996, implementing within the European Union the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), also known as the Washington Convention, any transfer of animal species listed in Annexes A and B of said Regulation must be accompanied by appropriate documentation certifying the lawful origin of the specimens;

E) According to Regional Law No. 15 of July 31, 2006, Article 3, paragraph 1, letter a, in the Emilia-Romagna Region, the capture and subsequent detention of numerous native animal species is prohibited, including various Lepidoptera species. Therefore, any shipment of specimens belonging to such species must be accompanied by documentation certifying their origin from authorized breeding;

F) According to Article 544-ter of the Italian Penal Code, subjecting any animal (regardless of species) to torture constitutes the crime of “Animal Cruelty.” This requires particular care in both shipping methods (selection of the most suitable container to protect animals from inevitable shocks while ensuring adequate ventilation) and in the release of Lepidoptera (releases during late autumn and winter are strictly forbidden).