A P eculiar R oman R equirement : WALK YOUR FURRY FRIEND OR GET FINED
If you live in Rome and feel too lazy to walk your dog, you better think twice before breaking the law. Wait, the law?
This was one of the multiple laws protecting the safety and well-being of Roman animals. The city had been dealing with ongoing problems due to dogs being cooped up in small apartments or abandoned in the streets. Monica Cirinna, who created the law, explained, “It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention.” She also told the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero that “the civilization of a city can also be measured by this.” How authorities in Rome can enforce this law is still unclear, but the city also passed other less-ambiguous animal welfare laws. Aside from the mandatory daily dog walk, docking an animal’s ears or tails and selling animals at fairgrounds are also illegal acts.
They passed another law to make declawing a cat for aesthetic reasons illegal. Additionally, the city will recognize those feeding and caring for the countless stray cats roaming the stone-paved streets. And last but not least, round fishbowls are also illegal, as the circular shape forces the fish to swim in circles, which is disorienting and can affect the fish’s mood and behavior. But Rome isn’t the only city in Italy with animal- friendly laws. In Turin, for example, dog owners are required to walk their pets at least three times a day or face a fine of $650. Meanwhile, in Reggio Emilia, it is illegal to boil live lobsters. The city officials considered this cooking method “useless torture.”
Yes! In 2005, the city of Rome passed a law requiring every dog owner to walk their furry friend at least once a day if they wanted to avoid a fine.
Even though Italy is known for stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine, it can also take credit for holding pet owners accountable and ensuring they take proper care of their animal companions. J ust G etting S tarted Meet Paralegal Shakura Tanner
While Rome may seem dog-biased, cat people will be happy to learn the Italian city didn’t forget felines.
When Shakura Tanner enrolled at Clemson University in South Carolina, she didn’t foresee a pandemic upending her junior and senior years. “I remember taking my final class in bed with pajamas on and realizing I’d just finished my undergraduate degree,” she says. “I knew I wanted to go to law school, but after a year and a half of online classes, I needed a break.” Wanting to eventually attend law school in Georgia, Shakura moved to the state and found work as a receptionist at The Manely Firm in January 2022. By July, she was a paralegal and soaking up her new environment like a sponge. “I really like speaking with the attorneys and learning their perspective on different areas of law,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot about what I want to do, and I’m glad I didn’t go straight to law school.” Shakura enjoys family law and says her favorite part of the work is “providing amazing outcomes for our clients.” In particular, she loves seeing separated children and parents be reunited. Adoption cases also hit home; her family adopted her brother when she was 12. “I didn’t know all the things going on behind the scenes then,” she says, “so it’s cool to see the process.”
Working in family law has also changed Shakura’s perspective in many ways. “I remember an attorney saying one of her clients was super excited to celebrate her divorce and restart her life,” she says. “Most people think of divorce as sad, but I’ve realized it’s also an opportunity to get a fresh start and find yourself again. It’s honestly a little inspiring.” Outside of work, Shakura loves dancing; she competed with the Tiger Dancers at Clemson for all four years of her undergraduate degree, winning one championship. She’s also an avid college football fan and can’t wait until the fall season. “I love to be outside and lie in my hammock,” Shakura adds, and when indoors, she’s often playing a Legend of Zelda video game. Shakura still plans to become an attorney. She hopes to attend the University of Georgia law school and is studying for her law school admission test (LSAT). “Send good vibes or prayers — I will take all the help I can get,” she laughs. Everyone at The Manely Firm wishes her luck, but we don’t think she’ll need it. We’re confident Shakura will succeed in whatever she does.
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