Italy: Illegal dog breeding farm uncovered in Prato — nearly one hundred dogs rescued
In San Giorgio a Colonica, near Prato (Tuscany, Italy), police conducted a large-scale operation that exposed an illegal dog breeding facility operating for online sales.
The operation was carried out by the Municipal Police of Prato, with the support of the Guardia di Finanza, ENPA animal welfare inspectors, and veterinarians from ASL Toscana Centro.
Inside an old farmhouse converted into a kennel, authorities discovered 98 dogs of various breeds. Among them were 85 toy poodles, seven golden retrievers, a rottweiler, a dogue de Bordeaux, a cane corso, a Maltese, and a volpino. According to investigators, one poodle was found dead.
The animals were kept in dark, poorly ventilated rooms, many in filthy cages without water or bedding. Investigators stated that the conditions were incompatible with the animals’ nature and wellbeing, constituting a violation under Article 727 of the Italian Penal Code — animal cruelty.
All dogs were seized and placed under the supervision of ASL Toscana Centro’s veterinary service. The facility operated without authorization — it had no license for keeping or trading animals.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Prato is examining contracts and documents seized on site to determine the network of transactions and the breeder’s responsibility.
According to the investigation, the breeder sold puppies of fashionable breeds — mainly poodles — through online platforms, presenting them as “home-raised pets from hobby breeding.”
Animal rights organization ENPA called this case “another example of systemic exploitation of animals” and urged citizens to stay alert:
“As long as there is demand for cheap puppies from questionable sources, such farms will continue to exist.”
This story is a reminder that behind every cute online photo, there may be suffering.
Buying a dog is not a crime. Buying it from those who break the law and treat animals as merchandise is.
Before deciding, always check the animal’s origin, documentation, and living conditions.
And above all — do not buy from illegal breeders.
Every responsible choice brings us closer to a world where stories like this no longer need to be told.