Parco della Maremma launches investigation after German shepherd dies on Cala di Forno beach

On July 19, a German shepherd died on the Cala di Forno beach within the protected area of Parco della Maremma in Tuscany. The park authority said the dog had been introduced illegally, violating regulations that prohibit domestic animals in the reserve to protect the environment and ensure safety.

Park officials reported that the incident was reported to the guards hours after the animal showed signs of distress, and the guards reached the remote site as quickly as possible, but the dog was already dead. The park has opened a formal investigation and is cooperating with the prosecutor’s office in Grosseto. The Italian animal‑rights group AIDA (Associazione Italiana Difesa Animali e Ambiente) announced it will file a complaint with the prosecutor, describing the case as “abominable” and demanding accountability for the alleged abandonment and mistreatment.

The park reiterated that the sheer size of the territory makes constant surveillance impossible and emphasized the role of park guards in responding to emergencies. The investigation will assess possible responsibility for the illegal entry and the animal’s death.