The horrific killing of Bruno, a police bloodhound, has shocked Italy. Throughout his career, he helped find nine missing people. Loyal, intelligent, and highly trained — he was a true hero.
But in early July, his life was tragically cut short. Someone threw sausages laced with nails and poison into his kennel. Bruno died in agony. His handler, Arcangelo Caressa, believes it was an act of revenge for his volunteer work rescuing animals. A calculated and inhumane act of cruelty.
Bruno’s story caused a wave of outrage. People brought flowers to the police station, members of parliament demanded justice, and the Prime Minister issued a public statement. All this happened just as a new animal protection law — AS 1308 — came into force in Italy.
Now, cruelty to animals is punishable by real prison time in Italy. Up to 4 years for killing or causing suffering. Fines up to €60,000. Taking part in dog fights — even as a spectator — carries 2 to 4 years in prison. If the crime is filmed, repeated, or committed in front of children, the penalties increase.
Importantly, under this law, animals are no longer considered property — they are recognized as sentient beings. Abused animals must be taken away from their owners. Offenders may be banned from owning animals again. And if cruelty occurs in a shelter or organization, the institution itself is held accountable.
Bruno’s case may become the first to test the new law to its full extent. This is more than punishment — it’s a message to society: animals are no longer silent victims. The law now speaks for them.
But in early July, his life was tragically cut short. Someone threw sausages laced with nails and poison into his kennel. Bruno died in agony. His handler, Arcangelo Caressa, believes it was an act of revenge for his volunteer work rescuing animals. A calculated and inhumane act of cruelty.
Bruno’s story caused a wave of outrage. People brought flowers to the police station, members of parliament demanded justice, and the Prime Minister issued a public statement. All this happened just as a new animal protection law — AS 1308 — came into force in Italy.
Now, cruelty to animals is punishable by real prison time in Italy. Up to 4 years for killing or causing suffering. Fines up to €60,000. Taking part in dog fights — even as a spectator — carries 2 to 4 years in prison. If the crime is filmed, repeated, or committed in front of children, the penalties increase.
Importantly, under this law, animals are no longer considered property — they are recognized as sentient beings. Abused animals must be taken away from their owners. Offenders may be banned from owning animals again. And if cruelty occurs in a shelter or organization, the institution itself is held accountable.
Bruno’s case may become the first to test the new law to its full extent. This is more than punishment — it’s a message to society: animals are no longer silent victims. The law now speaks for them.