Italian police dog, renowned for heroic rescues, killed by food laced with nails

USA Today

6 days ago

Italian dog lovers expressed outrage this week after a police bloodhound, recognized for his work as a search-and-rescue sniffer dog, was killed.
The 7-year-old bloodhound, named Bruno, helped to track down nine missing people during his career, according to a translated Facebook post from his trainer, Arcangelo Caressa. He was found dead in his kennel by Caressa on the morning of Friday, July 4, said the post, which alleged the dog had been fed sausages laced with nails.
"Today I died with you," it said. "You fought for your whole life to help humans, and the same humans did this to you."
In a later post, Caressa alleged that he knew who had targeted Bruno and said that police and the local prosecutor's office had launched an investigation into the death.
"I know who you are and you will pay for it," he said.
Premier Giorgia Meloni, who was previously photographed with Bruno after one of his heroic rescues, also shared a post to social media, calling the killing "vile, cowardly, unacceptable."
Caressa told local outlets that he had received death threats in the days and weeks leading up to Bruno's death, according to BBC, and he suspected the killing to be retaliation for Bruno and Caressa's involvement in dismantling dog fighting rings.
"It wasn't a random gesture. They want me to step aside. But I will never give in. This is a vile attack, done for money and revenge," Caressa said.
In a later post on Facebook, Caressa wrote a tribute to Bruno, calling him his 'faithful shadow' and his 'strength in dark moments.'
'Maybe you're wagging your tail among the stars, or maybe you're watching us in silence, with those kind eyes that said everything without the need for words,' Caressa said.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [e-mail] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.