Tuscany Approves Law Allowing Pets’ Ashes to Be Buried with Owners

Tuscany has become one of the first Italian regions to officially allow the ashes of pets to be buried alongside their owners. The new regional law, approved on July 24 by the Regional Council, sets the legal framework for this possibility, provided the animals have been cremated.

The legislation applies to all companion animals—dogs, cats, and others—and permits their ashes to be placed in the same burial niche (loculo) as their human companions. The decision must be made by the person arranging the burial, and all related costs will be covered by them. The specific fees will be determined by the municipality in charge of the cemetery, based on the remaining duration of the burial concession.

Importantly, the law only allows the interment of ashes, not physical remains, ensuring full compliance with public health regulations.

The initiative, originally proposed by regional councillor Andrea Ulmi, reflects a growing societal shift in how animals are regarded. In supporting the law, Ulmi emphasized that the emotional bond between people and their pets deserves recognition and respect. According to the law’s explanatory report, recent European regulations that define animals as sentient beings with individual interests reinforce the idea that this kind of bond merits legal protection.

(Photo by Mike Kilcoyne via Unsplash)

Support Florence Daily News

Florence Daily News is an independent news site covering the stories, culture, and life of Florence and Tuscany. We don’t rely on clickbait, invasive or hidden advertising, or paywalls. Instead, we believe in quality journalism that respects our readers and serves those who care about thoughtful, local reporting.

If you value our work, consider supporting us with a donation.

Donate securely via Stripe below.