San Marino: "Serial Dog Killer" Arrested After 14 Years and 40 Victims
After nearly 15 years of fear and outrage, San Marino finally sees justice as the man believed to have poisoned dozens of dogs has been identified and caught.
A Major Breakthrough in a Chilling Case
On Wednesday evening, authorities in the peaceful Republic of San Marino arrested an 80-year-old man suspected of killing over 40 dogs by poisoning them with lethal bait. The breakthrough came after new incidents in the Fiorentino area and key surveillance footage linked him to the crimes.
A search of his home revealed the tools used to prepare the deadly bait, including prosciutto fat soaked in Endosulfan, a banned pesticide since 2006.
14 Years of Fear and Grief
The killings began back in 2011, when dozens of dogs suddenly fell ill after consuming poisoned meat scattered across parks, sidewalks, and even private gardens. Only five out of thirty dogs survived that first wave.
The attacks were so severe that in 2011 San Marino had to cancel its international dog show after three participating dogs were poisoned. Despite efforts by authorities and pressure from the public, the perpetrator remained elusive for more than a decade.
Who Is the Suspected Killer?
Little is known about the elderly man arrested. Animal welfare association APAS confirmed that he had prior convictions for harassment and threats, including anonymous hate letters sent to animal lovers and associations.
No one suspected that behind this ordinary-looking man was a figure responsible for over a decade of cruelty and fear.
The suspect has been charged but remains free pending the verdict from the Commissioner of Law. Outrage has erupted on social media, with citizens demanding a harsh sentence.
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A Partial Justice
Sadly, the newly approved tougher animal cruelty laws in San Marino will not apply retroactively. While future offenders could face three months to three years in prison, the "dog serial killer" will be tried under the old code, facing at most two months of detention.
APAS announced they will seek to become a civil party in the trial to ensure that the suffering caused does not go unanswered.
A Community Scarred by Fear
For years, families avoided parks, kept their dogs on short leashes, and lived with constant anxiety. The end of this nightmare is a relief, but the true healing will depend on whether justice is firmly served.
Animal cruelty is not a minor offense; it is a serious crime that must be punished accordingly, without leniency.
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