Despite strict criminal penalties under Italy’s animal protection legislation, dogfighting remains a serious, widespread issue in the country and is heavily tied to organized crime networks known as the “Zoomafia.”
For the past five years, Humane World for Animals Italy and Fondazione Cave Canem have been working together to dismantle dogfighting rings through the “Io non combatto” project, which translates to “I do not fight.”
The campaign also rehabilitates dogs rescued from the illegal practice and strives to prevent it altogether.
In July, the Italian government allocated 2 million euros (roughly $2.2 million USD) to support shelters and rehabilitation facilities that provide the care and behavioral training necessary to re-home traumatized dogs.
“Ultimately, our hope is to create a system that not only rescues dogs from fighting rings, but also prevents new victims, supports their recovery, and gives every rescued dog the opportunity to become a cherished member of a family,” Humane World for Animals Italy told Good Good Good.
“We would like to see the funds used not only to support the care and rehabilitation of dogs, but also to provide specialized training for law enforcement officers involved in tackling animal fighting.”
Although the funding was allocated for 2026 and 2027, the organization is already advocating for the support to continue through 2029.
“Our broader goal is to help build an effective national network capable of responding to dogfighting cases at every stage: from the identification and rescue of animals, to their behavioral rehabilitation, and ultimately their successful placement in loving homes,” the Humane World for Animals Italy explained.
“To achieve this, we need a system in which law enforcement agencies, shelters, veterinarians, behavior specialists, and animal welfare organizations are equipped with the necessary skills, tools, and resources to work together effectively.”
In addition to lobbying for the amendment to Italy’s 2026 Budget Law, which resulted in the allocation of public funding, Humane World for Animals Italy has been hard at work to ensure that dogs rescued from dogfighting operations can be safely rehabilitated and rehomed, rather than being left in shelters for years or potentially returned to the people who abused them.
“We also launched a training program for staff at selected animal shelters across Italy, with the aim of transferring the expertise of trainers such as Mirko Zuccari [and] other professionals, helping to expand the network of shelters equipped to support the rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs rescued from fighting,” the organization told Good Good Good.
Zuccari is a dog trainer manager at Fondazione Cave Canem and the larger “Io non combatto” project. When asked whether any rescue animals stood out to him, Zuccari pointed to a dog named Shrek.
“Shrek has experienced violence and fear firsthand,” he told Good Good Good. “He was forced to fight to survive and had to learn not to trust human beings. Yet, despite everything, he has shown an extraordinary capacity for resilience: he learned to trust again, to rely on others, and to build relationships.”
Shrek was first rescued in 2021 from the province of Salerno, alongside two other dogs, Ascanio and Michi.
“Michi sadly passed away this year,” Zuccari said. “Ascanio was adopted by a family who gave him the happiest years of his life. Michi, on the other hand, spent the final years of her life at the shelter.”
But Zuccari has not given up on Shrek. Together, with his colleague Aldo, Zuccari has spent the last five years setting him up for success.
“[I want to] challenge a prejudice that is still very common: being forced to fight does not mean being an aggressive dog,” he said. “Shrek’s rehabilitation program was built around play and relationships.”
“Aldo and I worked with him through our voices, body language, and attitudes, always aiming to convey calmness and reassurance, while channeling his tremendous energy and inviting him to play. Since then, his daily life has been centred on exactly that: relationships, play, trust and peace of mind.”
Today, Shrek officially has the green light for adoption.
“Whoever chooses to welcome him into their life will undoubtedly be making an act of great generosity, but they will also receive so much in return: Shrek is a sensitive and affectionate dog, capable of forming a genuine bond and filling every day with joy,” Zuccari said.
“He is an exceptional dog and can truly become a beloved member of a family. We are looking for a person or family with the time, energy, and commitment to understand his sensitivity and support him on his journey, welcoming him as their one and only dog.”
The adoption process is supported through a dedicated guidance program, where the trainers assist the family through an “introduction and adjustment period.”
“Shrek doesn’t simply need a house; he needs to find his family,” he emphasized. “And we are ready to stand by him until he does.”
Anyone living in Italy interested in adopting Shrek can submit an application by emailing info@iononcombatto.it.
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