Historic Ruling: Dog Killed by Hunter Leads to €45,000 Compensation in Landmark Case
Keeran was just a year and a half old when a hunter mistook him for a wild boar and shot him dead. Now, in a groundbreaking Italian court decision, the man responsible has been ordered to pay over €45,000 in damages—a symbolic victory for those who see animals as true members of the family.
A Tragic Morning Turned Legal Milestone
On a quiet winter morning in January 2023, in the village of Torchiaro in central Italy, Keeran—a gentle, devoted dog—was enjoying playtime with other dogs in a field near his home. Without warning, a gunshot echoed across the land. A single bullet struck Keeran with fatal force, causing a 5-centimeter wound that killed him instantly.
The shooter, a hunter on a wild boar expedition, later claimed he mistook Keeran for game. Crucially, there had been no prior notice of an ongoing hunt in the area—no signs, no safety alerts. This act of gross negligence has now led to a powerful court decision: the hunter’s insurance must pay over €45,000 in damages, plus legal fees.
“I Had Lost All Hope”
Francesca Bertolutti, a professional dog trainer originally from Udine, had moved to the Marche region to dedicate her life to her eight dogs. Keeran was not just a pet—he was her partner, her companion, her shadow.
After a painful criminal trial ended with the case being archived and no withdrawal of the hunter’s firearm license, Bertolutti says she felt crushed. “I had lost every hope,” she told Corriere Adriatico. “The closure of the criminal case felt like a second death.”
This civil court victory, however, changes everything. It’s not just about the money—it’s about recognition, justice, and a shift in how society views the emotional impact of losing an animal companion.
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“An Animal Is a Member of the Family”
The Fermo court ruling is more than financial compensation—it’s a precedent. It acknowledges the moral damage suffered when a beloved animal is killed due to human negligence.
“I hope this decision helps raise awareness among hunters,” Bertolutti urged. “You can’t use a firearm with such carelessness. Every year, there are far too many accidents. Animals and even people die because of a lack of responsibility.”
What Remains of Keeran
Keeran, a sweet-eyed Lupino del Gigante, had been with Bertolutti for just 18 months—but left an indelible mark. After his death, she posted photos of him online, taken the morning of his passing.
“Never did I think those would be your last pictures, because of a hunter. This is what’s left of you. You were the greatest gift of my life.”
Now, even as the pain endures, this court decision offers a rare and meaningful form of justice. It sends a message: animals matter, and the grief of losing them is real—and worthy of recognition.
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