Bruno, a bloodhound hailed for locating missing children and vulnerable adults, died from internal bleeding after the booby-trapped food was thrown into his kennel in Taranto.
His handler, Arcangelo Caressa, described the killing as targeted and deliberate.
Bruno was innocent victim
“He wasn’t the real target, it was me,” Caressa told Italian media, adding that he had received threats in recent weeks. Caressa, known for training anti-drug and anti-fighting dogs, vowed not to be silenced: “I know who you are, and you will pay.”
Bruno had worked alongside Caressa for seven years and was originally trained in Belgium. In a heartfelt tribute, Caressa wrote, “You fought to help people your whole life, and the same people did this to you.”
Public fury
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a photo of Bruno and condemned the act as “vile” and “unacceptable”.
The killing has sparked public fury, with calls for the culprit to be prosecuted under Italy’s new animal cruelty law. The legislation allows for up to four years in prison and fines exceeding £50,000 for cases involving prolonged animal suffering.
RIP Bruno.
