Rome city council studies new proposals regarding welfare of cats.

Rome's environment commission has recommended several new rules regarding the protection and welfare of animals, subject to approval by the city council.

The recommendations include obligatory microchips for cats who would be registered with the city, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The city is also studying proposals to ban letting off fireworks in the presence of animals as well as the introduction of "tutors" - recognisable by a special badge - in charge of looking after the city's stray cats.

Other recommendations include increasing penalties for "serial accumulators" of cats and those caught engaging in the "hateful practice" of leaving poisoned meatballs in parks for dogs and cats.

See related articles about the cat sanctuaries at Largo Argentina and Piramide.

Photo: Gatti di Roma (Cats of Rome) by Giancarlo Gasponi.