19/08/2026

On August 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM, in Arpino (in the province of Frosinone), a donkey race is planned as a traditional event of the 55th edition of the palio "Il Gonfalone di Arpino." IHP has sent a formal warning to the Municipality and the organising Pro Loco, demanding its cancellation. At the same time, the association has filed a report with the Ministry of Health – Directorate General for Animal Health.

The race takes place on asphalt: photographs from previous editions, available on the event's official website, show donkeys racing along Corso Tulliano, an asphalted road in Arpino's historic centre. Racing equines on this type of surface is a violation of Article 6, paragraph 3, of the DPCM of 8 January 2025: the regulation requires that the track surface be suitable for cushioning the impact of hooves, preventing slipping, falls, and limb fractures. The burden falls on the organising body, which must document compliance at the authorisation request stage.

IHP has requested written confirmation of the race's cancellation by tomorrow, August 20th. In the absence of a response, it reserves the right to take action before the competent authorities. The Ministry of Health has been asked to initiate urgent checks and, should the violation be confirmed, to issue an injunctive measure.

The "Il Gonfalone di Arpino" event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Arpino, the Province of Frosinone, and the Lazio Region. The institutional responsibility of the bodies involved cannot therefore be separated from the obligation to comply with animal welfare regulations.