In a heartbreaking incident that has ignited outrage across Italy, a beloved sniffer dog named Bruno has been killed after consuming sausages laced with nails, which were thrown into his kennel. Bruno, a seven-year-old bloodhound, was lauded for his remarkable track record of locating nine missing individuals and was even honored by Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who has condemned the act as "vile, cowardly, unacceptable."
Bruno's trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, shared the devastating news on social media, expressing his grief and determination to uncover the perpetrators behind this abhorrent act. Caressa suggested that Bruno's death was likely retribution for his role in exposing illegal dog fighting operations. "Today I died with you," he wrote in a tribute to his canine companion, whom he referred to as a "brother."
The local police and prosecutor's office have initiated an investigation into the killing, while Caressa has stated that he knows who is responsible and intends to ensure they face consequences. He disclosed that he had received threats prior to Bruno's tragic death, indicating a targeted effort to intimidate him.
Michela Vittoria Brambilla, an Italian MP and staunch advocate for animal rights, has called upon authorities to swiftly bring those responsible to justice. She highlighted the connection between Bruno's death and his efforts to disrupt dog fighting rings. Under revamped animal welfare legislation, those found guilty of causing intentional harm to animals can now face up to four years in prison and significant financial penalties.
Brambilla emphasized the need to enforce this legislation in response to Bruno’s horrific demise, which resulted from the internal injuries he sustained. "We owe it to this noble animal," she asserted, urging swift action to honor Bruno’s memory. The case raises broader concerns about animal rights in Italy and the need for robust protections against cruelty.
