In a tragedy that has shaken Italy, Bruno, a heroic police bloodhound who spent his life serving the public, was found dead after consuming food laced with nails. The shocking incident has ignited national outrage, prompted a criminal investigation, and brought renewed attention to animal protection laws.

Bruno, a 7-year-old bloodhound, had earned a reputation as one of Italy’s most reliable sniffer dogs. Throughout his career, he helped locate nine missing individuals—five of them alive, and four deceased whose bodies he returned to their families. His service was not just professional, but deeply personal for his handler, Arcangelo Caressa, who viewed him as family.
Bruno’s lifeless body was discovered in his shed in Taranto on a Friday morning. Caressa believes he was deliberately targeted, having consumed dog food filled with metal nails. The incident is being investigated as a premeditated act, with Caressa stating he had received death threats in the weeks prior—likely due to his role in rescuing dogs from illegal dogfighting operations.

Authorities have been given the names of two individuals Caressa suspects. “They didn’t just kill a dog,” he told Italian press. “They tried to get to me. But I will never back down.”
Public figures quickly rallied around Bruno’s memory. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who had once posed with the bloodhound after a successful rescue mission, called the act “vile, cowardly, and unacceptable.” Longtime animal rights advocate and lawmaker Michael Vittoria Brambilla filed a formal criminal complaint, citing the nation’s new animal protection law that she herself championed. The law—known as the Brambilla law—had just gone into effect on July 1 and includes penalties of up to four years in prison and fines nearing $70,000.

Veteran journalist Vittorio Feltri added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, declaring that Bruno had “done more civic good than most citizens.” He also argued the penalties under the law should be even harsher, especially for animals who have served heroically.
In a deeply emotional Facebook post, Caressa poured out his grief: “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. You weren’t just a dog. You were my faithful shadow, my strength in dark moments, the good heartbeat of the world.”

Bruno’s death has become more than a criminal case—it’s a rallying cry across Italy for justice, compassion, and protection of those who serve without question or complaint. His legacy will not be forgotten, and neither will the call to ensure that animals like Bruno are honored, respected, and fiercely defended.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass it on to a friend or family member!
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.