Florence shelter dogs join Polizia Penitenziaria canine units

Five dogs from the Florence Animal Park have successfully transitioned from a municipal shelter to professional roles within the Polizia Penitenziaria (Prison Police). The dogs, named Stress, Morfeo, Dafne, Zelda, and Bruno, were selected based on their individual traits rather than breed.

The selection process, which began in June 2022, involves drug-detection canine instructors from the Asti Training Center. Instructors evaluate candidates for specific characteristics such as playfulness, search capacity, curiosity, socialization, and willingness to interact. The training program focuses on the animals' natural motivations and the bond with their handlers, avoiding the use of coercion.

The project, a collaboration between the Municipality of Florence and the Polizia Penitenziaria, was highlighted during a public event at the Florence Animal Park titled “From the Shelter, at the Service of the Community: Animal Welfare and Canine Units.” The initiative aims to promote animal welfare while demonstrating how shelter animals can become valuable assets to public safety and the community.