Carabinieri in South Tyrol, in northern Italy, have taken 46 animals from two properties along the Wine Road after finding them underfed, covered in fleas and living among rats. The seizure happened on 6 October in Cortaccia (Kurtatsch) and Termeno (Tramin). A 59-year-old woman has been reported to prosecutors for alleged animal cruelty and abandonment. She hasn't been arrested, and the case is now with the Bolzano prosecutor's office.

What happened

According to ilDolomiti, officers from the Cortaccia and Termeno Carabinieri stations carried out a seizure order from a Bolzano judge. They found animals in two places: an apartment in Cortaccia and an old storage building in Termeno that was also used to keep bicycles.

They took away 13 large dogs, 12 cats, 18 hens and 3 rabbits. The reports don't say how many animals were in each building.

Staff from the South Tyrol health authority, the provincial forest service, Bolzano's professional fire brigade and volunteers from the animal welfare group OIPA helped with the operation.

What the animals were found in

The Carabinieri described frightened animals that weren't used to people. Fleas were widespread, and rats were living in the same rooms. The cats were visibly thin. The dogs showed signs of keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye.

No veterinary reports, weights or treatment details have been made public.

How it came to light

ilDolomiti reports that the seizure followed weeks of observation, checks and inspections. The findings were shared with the local mayor, the veterinary service and animal welfare groups before the judge signed the order.

What happens next

The animals are in the custody of the South Tyrol health authority, which started health checks right away and is caring for them. Nobody has said yet where they'll stay long term or whether any will be offered for adoption.

The woman, who hasn't been named, was reported while free under two articles of the Italian penal code: 544-ter, animal cruelty, and 727, abandonment and keeping animals in conditions that harm them. Under Italian law, a seizure like this is a precaution while the case is investigated. It isn't a finding of guilt, and a court would have to rule before the animals could be permanently confiscated. She hasn't commented publicly.

What it means for pet owners

You don't need proof to raise a concern. A smell that doesn't go away, animals you hear but never see, or cats that keep getting thinner are all worth reporting.

If you're worried about animals near you:

  • In Italy, call the Carabinieri on 112 or contact the veterinary service of your local health authority (ASL, or in South Tyrol the Azienda Sanitaria).
  • In Slovenia, call the police on 113 (or 080 1200 anonymously) for suspected cruelty, or report neglect to UVHVVR, the food safety and veterinary administration.
  • Write down dates and what you saw. Photos from a public place help, but don't go onto someone's property.
  • Don't try to take animals out yourself. A seizure ordered by a judge protects the animals and the case.

We'll update this report if the case goes to court or the animals become available for adoption.

Sources