Hero Italian police dog killed after eating nail-laced sausages — his trainer issues warning to suspects

A police dog in Italy famous for rescuing nine people in his illustrious career was killed after eating sausages laced with nails — and the beloved canine’s trainer issued an ominous warning to the sickos behind the cruel act.

Arcangelo Caressa found the heroic 7-year-old bloodhound named Bruno dead in a pool of blood on Friday, sharing the heartbreaking news on social media.

Caressa, Bruno’s trainer, issued several messages on Facebook to those behind Bruno’s death.

“I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND YOU WILL PAY FOR IT,” the trainer promised in one post.

“They will pay for it,” he wrote in another . “I swear.”

Caressa said he discovered Bruno dead in his kennel in southern Taranto after someone snuck in and fed him nail-studded sausages. 

The gruesome discovery has sparked a nationwide manhunt for Bruno’s killers, and earned the attention of the nation’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.

“A heartbreaking piece of news,” she wrote in a social media post featuring a picture of her posing with Bruno after a rescue. “A vile, cowardly, unacceptable act.”

Caressa said it felt like he died himself with his beloved Bruno after making the agonizing discovery. He praised his trustworthy partner for saving nine lives in his long career with the Dog Rescue Unit and fighting gangs. 

“You fought for your whole life to help human beings, and the same humans did this to you,” he wrote in a separate social media post. 

“I love you my friend,” he added.

The trainer refused to publish pictures of the “atrocity” because they were so gruesome.

“You would be shocked,” he wrote. “You killed him, making him suffer for hours.”

Caressa has already cooperated with prosecutors, whom he has praised for their efforts in tracking down Bruno’s killers. He gave them two names of suspects he believes are behind the horrifying killing. 

He thinks that Bruno’s killing was revenge for going after illegal dog fighting rings, according to reports. 

He received death threats in the weeks leading up to Bruno’s death, the BBC reported.

“It wasn’t a random gesture. They want me to step aside. But I will never give in. This is a vile attack, done for money and revenge,” he told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

Italian lawmaker Michael Vittoria Brambilla filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors under a new law that she helped draft stiffening penalties for anyone who kills or mistreats an animal, according to CBS News. Brambilla is a well-known animal rights activist in the country.

Caressa said that he hoped his furry friend is wagging his tail among the stars.

“Maybe you’re watching us in silence, with those kind eyes that said everything without the need for words,” Bruno posted on social media. 

“You weren’t just a dog,” he added. “You were my faithful shadow, my strength in dark moments, the good heartbeat of the world.”