Italian prime minister condemns 'cowardly' killing of hero sniffer dog

Italy’s Prime Minister has condemned the “vile” and “cowardly” killing of a hero sniffer dog who helped save the lives of nine people.

Bruno, a seven-year-old bloodhound, received numerous awards for searching for missing and vulnerable people – including one presented by Giorgia Meloni.

However, his trainer, Arcangelo Caressa, said Bruno was found dead after sausages filled with nails were thrown into his training centre near Taranto, Puglia.

Sharing pictures of Bruno on social media, Caressa said: “Today I died with you.

Bruno helped search for nine people during his policing career. / Credit: Arcangelo Caressa/Facebook

“You fought for your whole life to help the human being, and the same human did this to you”.

“When a relative of yours needs Bruno, he won’t be there.”

He added: “They will pay, I swear.”

Meloni called his death a “heartbreaking piece of news” in a post on X.

“Thank you for everything you have done, Bruno,” she added.

Caressa said the police and Prosecutor’s Office had opened an investigation into Bruno’s death and are reviewing CCTV from the surrounding area.

Under new animal rights laws in Italy, anyone who kills an animal could face up to four years in prison and face a fine of up to €60,000 (£51,7000).

Michela Vittoria Brambilla, the politician who was behind the strengthening of the law, has asked the police to ensure those responsible for Bruno’s death are “brought to justice”.

In a post on Facebook, she said Bruno had “a horrible, long and very painful death”, and at the “thought of such boundless ferociousness, one should be ashamed of being part of the human race.”