Fighting dogs in Sicily and Campania for illegal gambling: six under investigation

Gela – They organized clandestine fights to fuel an illegal gambling ring: a gang operating between Sicily and Campania using pit bulls has been discovered. The animal abuse was put to an end by a seizure order for 13 dogs caught in the ring's net. This seizure has led to six people being charged in Gela, in the province of Caltanissetta, and Campania.

The gang was discovered by police officers from the police station and by the Carabinieri of the anti-poaching operational section of the CITES group of Rome and Palermo and of the Agrigento nucleus, with the Soarda structure.

The investigating judge, at the prosecutor's request, ordered the precautionary seizure of thirteen dogs used in makeshift clandestine dog fighting rings. Investigators are considering abuse and clandestine dog fighting.

The dogs destined for fighting suffered some serious injuries. Videos circulating on social media show gruesome scenes and the live death of a dog.

"We identified very violent situations," said Chief Prosecutor Salvatore Vella. "Minors also attended the fights, a form of deviance that needed to be stopped. There was concentrated betting on the fights. Several dogs died."

The betting prices started from two thousand euros – said the chief of police Emanuele Giunta – we are aware that other areas in the province of Agrigento, Palermo and up to Campania were also involved”. According to the charges, the contacts were finalized through telephone applications and the videos of the fights were conveyed precisely through telephone apps, especially Telegram.

Investigators have identified several individuals involved, gathering information and images. "It's a phenomenon that's still present in the area and causes serious consequences for dogs," said Commander Matteo Rovelli of the Carabinieri Soarda unit.