Social Farming and Animal Assisted Interventions: content analysis of the Italian legal framework towards a One Welfare approach

Introduction: in the last decade, Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) and Social Farming (SF) practices widely spread throughout Europe and at the same time, the scientific interest increased. In Italy, experiences are various and diversified among the 20 Italian Regions which have direct responsibility on these fields. In 2015 Italian authorities decided to regulate both AAI and SF topics at national level in different ways. The aim of this study was: analyse strengths and weaknesses of Italian legal framework about both fields, evaluate the possible impact on providers and the interaction of AAI in the SF frame. Such analysis can be useful to understand if and in which way the providers of AAI could play a relevant role in SF activities and to direct institutional decision-making process towards a One Welfare approach. Methodology: we analysed the Italian legislation on AAI and SF at national and regional level (national laws, all regional laws and local implementing regulations), their connections, strengths and weaknesses. We critically pointed out and systematised differences to highlight inconsistencies and possible improvements. Main Findings: our study suggested the need of practical guidelines for providers to overcome the misalignment that exists nowadays between AAI and SF in Italy. That is caused by the independent development of these fields until the regulation and the inconsistency between regional and national laws. Principle Conclusions and Implications for Field: Italian legal framework on AAI and SF will increasingly influence providers in their activities and the outcomes on possible final beneficiaries. Meanwhile there is a lack of modelling especially in AAI field, which could be coped offering practical guidelines for providers and public institutions. Guidelines should be based on One Welfare framework and include: specific educational programs for providers, directions on organizational models and on promotion strategies of the service in the area.