A woman has been granted sick pay in Italy to look after her unwell dog.

The academic, who works at the La Sapienza University in Rome, was granted the pay after she needed to take two days off work to look after her pet. The woman's lawyer argued that Italy's animal protection laws were strict enough to allow her the compensation. They state that any person who inflicts "grave suffering" upon an animal can be fined up to €10,000. La Pressa has reported that the woman was granted the sick pay due to "serious or family personal reasons." Animal rights group, the Italian Anti-Vivisection League (LAV), are hailing the win as a victory for animal rights around Europe. They have said that it is a step forward to pets being recognised as family members.

"It is a significant step forward to recognised that animals that are not kept for financial gain or their working ability are effectively members of the family." "Now, with the necessary veterinary certification, those in the same situation will be able to cite this important precedent."