APCOM

It took eight years to carry out the idea, but in the end the first Park Kennel of Milano has been built. A 35,000-square metre area inside the Forlanini park is going to host the animal refuge, its medical department and a big green zone. The structure is able to host 300 dogs and 200 cats, the latter being attended in a specific section.

The city's mayor Letizia Moratti, who took part in the inauguration, underlined the role played by Gialunca Comazzi, the municipal guarantor for animals. "This plan was made possible by the contribution of many associations and by the guarantor for animals, a figure that, although municipal regulations would provide for its presence, had never been activated before."

The project dates back to the year 2000. Works started four years later, for an overall of 5 million euros. The kennel is surrounded by a 21,000 square-metre equipped park. The structure will be guarded 24 hours a day. As it is very close to the city centre, it will not be difficult for Milanese people to reach it: opening times for adoptions are 2 pm-4 pm from Monday to Friday and 2 pm-6 pm during the weekends.

Up to now the city council has entrusted the animals' care to two kennels which have an agreement with municipal authorities, 'Il Girasole' in Segrate, the 'Casa Russo' in S. Pedrino di Vigante and, as for cats, 'Mondo Gatto', a refuge based in Milano. "We appeal to all the citizens for the adoption of either a dog or a cat, to give these animals the chance to live in a family," said Comazzi. "We also would like to thank all the volunteers and the associations that helped us to achieve this goal."