Naples authorities dismantle puppy fraud ring

An investigation by the Carabinieri CITES unit and the Naples Prosecutor's Office has uncovered a structured criminal system involved in the fraudulent sale of sick puppies. The operation, which targeted several commercial businesses in Naples and Torre Annunziata, resulted in five precautionary measures, including three individuals being placed in prison and two under house arrest.

Investigators found that small-breed puppies, such as Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Maltese, were imported from Eastern Europe in precarious conditions. These animals were often sold as certified “mini toy” breeds with falsified pedigrees, microchips, and vaccination records. To mask severe illnesses, the puppies were reportedly treated with drugs to hide symptoms of serious pathologies, including parvovirus, distemper, and aggressive parasitic infections.

The investigation was triggered by the discovery of a dying puppy abandoned on the street, which subsequently died at a veterinary facility. This led authorities to uncover over 50 suspected frauds. As part of the crackdown, police seized 43,000 euros in illicit profits, four commercial premises, veterinary medicines, and various health and fiscal documents.