Dogs in Italy

Italians love to have dogs. There is probably at least one dog in every one of the apartment buildings my friends live in here, and (unlike in Paris) there are parks (some with dog-specific areas) in Milan, which are packed with people, children and dogs on most sunny afternoons and weekends. The obsession doesn't end there. It is common practice, everywhere I've been in Italy, to take your dog into shops (yes, even food stores) with you. Some shops have 'no dogs' signs but for most it is accepted that customers might bring their dogs in. Very strange. There are special regulations for bringing dogs (and other animals) on public transport (see my photos for a full translation!). Sadly we have seen a few signs of mistreatment of the dogs around here - not abuse, but just lack of love.