Overview

• Bruno, a seven-year-old bloodhound credited with finding nine missing people, died July 5 after consuming sausages deliberately laced with nails at a training centre near Taranto
• His trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, says he received death threats and suspects criminal networks targeted Bruno to retaliate against his role in disrupting drug operations and illegal dog-fighting rings
• Prosecutors have launched a formal investigation, seized surveillance footage from the National Dog Training Centre and are collaborating with police to identify and charge those responsible
• The Brambilla law, effective July 1, imposes penalties of up to four years in prison and €60,000 in fines for intentional cruelty to animals
• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Taranto’s mayor Piero Bitetti and animal-rights activists have condemned the “vile, cowardly” act and are demanding swift accountability