“Who was only a stranger at home: Live performance of the adopted animals of Monte Contessa kennel in Genoa inside Tomás Saraceno’s solo show Anima∞le and the wonderful dog Drago, that is looking for a new lovely true human companion/s”

Sara Cabella (Canile Comunale Monte Contessa) interwied by Pinksummer

Pinksummer: For several decades, the animal or anti-speciesist culture has made its way into the world of law, placing sentient beings other than humans at the centre of attention. Corresponding to this growing attention is the institution at regional level, of the Garante dei Diritti degli Animali (Animal Rights Guarantor). Does the Garante dei Diritti degli Animali exist in Liguria? What are its functions?

Sara Cabella (Canile Comunale Monte Contessa):  In Liguria, as in many other regions, there is the figure of the Animal Rights Guarantor. This figure has the task of supervising respect for animal rights, promoting awareness-raising initiatives and collaborating with institutions to improve the protection of animals on the territory.

PS: In the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, proclaimed in Paris in 1978 at Unesco, in its 14 articles it states that all animals are born equal before life and have the same rights to existence: the right to respect, not to be subjected to cruel acts, to live according to the rhythms of their own species, to grant animals the same legal defence as humans.

Animal rights must be defended by law in the same way as human rights.

In the 1970s it was a wish loaded with symbolic but non-binding value, today after almost half a century has anything changed? Certainly the breeding farms, the actions to contain pest species, the centres that test drugs on animals have not disappeared, but with respect to dogs and cats has anything changed in these decades?

SC: It is undeniable that in recent decades there has been a growing sensitivity towards animal rights. With respect to dogs and cats, in particular, there is greater legal protection and greater attention to their welfare. However, there is still a long way to go, and many challenges remain.

PS: With respect to the perimeter of sentience, ethology has shown that individuals of other species are also sentient beings capable of suffering, rejoicing and reasoning contrary to what is attributed to an unspecified logos of theirs called instinct. In this sense, suffering is not only physical suffering, caused by an action, but also suffering induced by omission. The owner who, moreover, is supposed to be the one who represents and should defend his animal is often through insensitivity or self-interest the cause of its suffering. How do you evaluate people who ask for an animal hosted in the Monte Contessa Municipal Dog Pound in Genoa for adoption?

SC: Ethology has provided scientific evidence of the sentience of animals, demonstrating their ability to feel emotions and reason. Therefore, it is fundamental to consider the psychological well-being of animals, as well as their physical well-being.

People who apply to the Monte Contessa municipal kennels for adoption are carefully assessed to ensure that they are able to provide a suitable and loving environment for the animal.

PS: Kennels were initially created to combat the phenomenon of stray animals, today the situation is different, it seems that sensitivity and consequently responsibility towards animals, especially those that are homeless, has grown. However, we know that the Monte Contessa Kennel is overcrowded: you have 111 boxes and there are 166 dogs and 46 cats, considering that there is no cattery in Genoa. Where do these dogs and cats come from. What are the most common reasons for abandonment?

SC: The Monte Contessa kennel, like many other kennels, faces the problem of overcrowding. The animals housed come mainly from abandonments and finds on the territory.

The most common reasons for abandonment are many and complex, and may include economic difficulties, behavioural problems of the animal, changes in the family situation or lack of awareness about the responsibilities of owning an animal.

PS: Can animals be included among a human’s heirs?

SC: The question of including animals among heirs is a complex and debated issue.  There are different legal interpretations and alternative solutions to guarantee the welfare of animals after the death of the owner