Local sources from Italy: ANSA, RaiNews.
UK coverage: Sky News.
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sparked widespread outrage across Italy, Bruno, a distinguished ‘hero’ sniffer dog known for his remarkable role in saving lives, met a tragic end in Taranto. The beloved molecular bloodhound was killed after consuming sausages laced with nails, leading to his painful death from internal bleeding. This vile act of cruelty, condemned by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as ‘vile, cowardly, and unacceptable,’ has led to an outpouring of grief and calls for justice under Italy’s stringent new animal protection laws.
Bruno, who had a commendable record of saving nine lives during his seven-year service alongside his trainer Arcangelo Caressa, was targeted in what is believed to be a retaliatory attack stemming from Caressa’s active stance against drug trafficking and illegal dog fighting rings. The canine’s death at the Endas canine unit’s training center, where he was found in a pool of blood, has been mourned by many, including political figures and the public, highlighting the profound bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
The outrage over Bruno’s death has rejuvenated calls for stringent enforcement of animal protection laws, dubbed the Brambilla law, which prescribes up to four years in prison and a €60,000 fine for such acts of cruelty. This incident has also shed light on the alarming issue of animal poisonings, with the Italian Association for the Defense of Animals and the Environment (AIDAA) reporting 4,000 dogs falling victim since the beginning of the year. In response, AIDAA has announced a €1,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of Bruno’s killer, urging the government to take decisive action against this social plague.
The loss of Bruno not only underscores the dangers faced by animals dedicated to serving and protecting communities but also serves as a somber reminder of the need for society to stand firm against acts of cruelty and barbarism. The calls for justice for Bruno reflect a unanimous desire to see an end to such heinous acts and to honor the memory of a true hero whose legacy of bravery and service will not be forgotten.
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