Blitz against animal trafficking in Ercolano: the Region announces an iron fist.

Ercolano – A decisive response from the authorities against the black market in pets. Following the recent seizure of an illegal dog breeding farm in Ercolano, the regional councilor for animal welfare, Fiorella Zabatta, expressed strong condemnation, calling the incident "an extremely serious matter that strikes the public conscience."

The operation, conducted by the Guardia di Finanza with the technical support of the ASL Napoli 3 Sud, shed light on a system that transforms the lives of puppies into a highly profitable commodity, often at the expense of health regulations and legality.

A criminal business on the skin of animals

According to the Campania regional government representative, the illegal animal trade is not only a crime against the welfare of the creatures involved, but also represents a veritable underground economic cycle.

"Every puppy sold can fuel a difficult-to-detect system that circumvents the rules and puts public health at risk," Zabatta emphasized. The councilor then praised the Guardia di Finanza and healthcare workers for their effective intervention, expressing her hope that the sanctions framework will be applied with the utmost rigor.

The regional strategy: microchips and web monitoring

To combat this phenomenon, the Campania Region is focusing on an integrated strategy based on three fundamental pillars:

Traceability: Strengthening controls on registration and mandatory microchip requirements.

Digital monitoring: Counteracting irregular sales that increasingly travel through web channels and social media.

Awareness: Citizen information campaigns to reduce the demand for animals of dubious origin.

The Department's commitment will also extend to supporting the facilities and associations that take in rescued specimens. "Animal protection," the councilor concluded, "is an integral part of a broader strategy for legality and safety in our communities."