13 Pit Bulls, Including Four Puppies & A Pregnant Female, Seized In Sicily Dogfighting & Betting Investigation
Representative image. The dog pictured is not one of the 13 dogs seized in Gela, Sicily.
Italian authorities have seized 13 pit bull-type dogs, including four puppies and a pregnant female, following an investigation into clandestine dogfighting and illegal betting in Gela, Sicily. Six people are under investigation.
The operation was carried out by the Polizia di Stato in Gela together with specialized Carabinieri units focused on CITES enforcement and crimes against animals.
According to the Polizia di Stato, the investigation developed after officers and veterinary personnel went to the home of one of the people under investigation while searching for a small dog who had disappeared in the area. Witnesses had reportedly seen the missing dog with the man.
Instead, authorities found a pit bull with visible injuries to the dog’s muzzle and body that investigators said were consistent with dogfighting.
Further investigation uncovered clandestine dogfighting involving individuals in Gela, other areas of Sicily, and other regions of Italy. Investigators reviewed numerous videos, chats, and social media activity documenting fights between dogs.
Authorities said some of the footage showed dogs so severely injured that they could no longer move. In another video examined by investigators, a dog died while the footage was being recorded.
Investigators also found evidence that money was being wagered on the fights, with conditions established beforehand, including the weight of the dogs, the amount being bet, and where the fights would take place.
Authorities seized equipment allegedly used to train and condition the dogs, including treadmills, chains, leashes with snap hooks, and weights used to strengthen the dogs’ jaws. Pharmaceutical products, supplements, and anabolic steroids were also seized.
The 13 dogs have been placed in facilities made available by the municipality of Gela, where authorities said they will receive care and behavioral rehabilitation, with the possibility of eventual reintegration.
Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem, which work together through the “Io non combatto” project to prevent and combat dogfighting in Italy, emphasized the importance of reporting suspected animal cruelty.
Martina Pluda, country director at Humane World for Animals Italy, said the case showed characteristics of what she described as a “serious underground dogfighting ring,” adding:
“In situations like these, reports from members of the public are essential to prevent and combat crimes against animals.”
The organizations said they hope the dogs can begin behavioral rehabilitation as soon as possible and be permanently entrusted to organizations with specialized dog trainers equipped to provide the care they need.
These dogs deserve the opportunity to heal from what they have endured and to know safety, compassion, and care.
