Naples – An investigation conducted by the military of the Carabinieri CITES Unit of Naples, in collaboration with the Veterinary Service of the ASL NA1 Animal Health, has led to the discovery of an alleged illicit trafficking of a pony, identified by microchip and originally attributable to a subject resident in Abruzzo.
The operation, triggered by checks on the correct detention and origin of the animal in some private residences in the countryside of the Municipality of Naples, led to the reporting of three people for theft and receiving stolen goods.
The joint checks were initiated after the ASL veterinary staff found that the administrative documentation required for the possession of the equine was missing. Further investigations revealed that the pony had been acquired by an individual with a specific criminal record for receiving stolen horses.
The CITES military then went to the latter to obtain clarifications on the origin of the animal. From the statements made and from a subsequent consultation of the databases, it emerged that for the pony, named 'Giollina', a theft report had been filed by the subject resident in Abruzzo.
The investigations reconstructed the illicit chain, ascertaining that 'Giollina' had been the object of a further sale, without documents, at a price of 700 euros, with another individual also resident in Abruzzo and with a police record.
In light of the evidence collected, the Carabinieri CITES reported to the Judicial Authority three individuals, held responsible, in various capacities, for the theft and subsequent illegal sales. At the same time, the pony 'Giollina' was placed under seizure pending its return to its rightful owner.
The operation highlights the commitment of the Carabinieri CITES Unit of Naples in combating illegal animal trafficking, protecting biodiversity and legality in the sector.
Article published on May 12, 2025 - 15:08 pm
