Gela police dismantle illegal dog-fighting and gambling ring

Italian authorities have dismantled an illegal network involved in clandestine dog fighting and gambling through an operation dubbed “L’inferno dei pitbull” (The Pitbull Hell). Following an investigation in Gela, the State Police and Carabinieri seized 13 pitbulls and identified six suspects. The investigation began after officers, searching for a missing small dog, discovered a pitbull with severe injuries consistent with fighting.

Investigators uncovered a structured criminal enterprise that organized fights, set betting amounts—sometimes reaching 2,000 euros—and used social media and messaging apps like Telegram to promote matches and distribute videos. The network extended beyond Gela to include Palermo, Agrigento, and the Campania region. Authorities seized training equipment, including treadmills, weights for jaw strengthening, chains, and anabolic steroids used to prepare the animals.

Videos documented extreme violence, including animals being unable to move due to injuries and one instance of a dog dying during a fight. The seized pitbulls, which include puppies and a pregnant female, have been transferred to local facilities for veterinary care. In response to the operation, the animal rights organization Lav has called for stricter legislation and harsher penalties for those organizing or participating in animal fighting.