A sit-in outside the Tribunal of San Marino to remember the dozens of dogs that died from poisoning and to demand justice.
On Monday, November 16, at 2:30 p.m., the San Marino Animal Protection Association (Associazione protezione animali sammarinese, APAS) is organizing a peaceful demonstration to coincide with the trial of Giorgio Cellarosi, the 85-year-old Sammarinese man accused of being the so-called dog killer.
The case has shadowed the Republic for more than fifteen years, marked by poisoned bait left in green areas, dead animals, and owners forced to cope with the loss of their four-legged companions.
The demonstration will take place outside the Republic’s Tribunal, where a hearing in the proceedings is scheduled. The aim is to remember the animals who fell victim to the poisonings and to draw attention to the severity of the episodes. “Enough poison, it’s time for justice,” is the slogan chosen by APAS, which is inviting citizens and associations to join the protest.
“We will be there to remember their lives, to give a voice to those who could not defend themselves, and to firmly restate that every form of violence against animals deserves attention, accountability and justice,” the organizers explained.
The sit-in is open to everyone, with participants asked to maintain respectful and civil conduct.
“It will be a moment of reflection and awareness-raising, to be experienced in full respect of the peaceful nature of the demonstration,” the association emphasized.
The case dates back to 2011, when reports of poisoned dogs began to multiply across San Marino.
In the years that followed, suspicious bait continued to be found in public parks, green areas, footpaths and private courtyards.
The overall toll of poisonings reported over the years exceeds 40 dogs, although not all the episodes are attributed to the defendant.
The breakthrough in the investigation came in April 2025, when the Gendarmerie and Civil Police, through inquiries and checks on surveillance cameras, identified Cellarosi as a suspect in some of the episodes.
During searches, materials allegedly usable for preparing poisoned bait were reportedly found.
The man, who has always denied the accusations, was initially detained and later placed under house arrest.
In October 2025, he was committed to trial at the conclusion of an investigation coordinated by Commissioner of the Law Elisa Beccari.
The charges include the mistreatment and killing of animals, in connection with episodes that occurred in February 2022 and April 2025, continued endangerment of public health through environmental damage, as well as charges of escape and continued threats against public authority.
It will be up to the trial to establish any responsibility on the part of the defendant.
Attention also remains high over the methods used in the poisonings. Over the years, bait has been found containing toxic substances, rodenticides and pesticides, sometimes mixed with meat, cheese or other food to attract the animals — bait that is potentially dangerous even for those who frequent public areas.
Ahead of Monday’s hearing, APAS is once again mobilizing, calling for participation and respect. “For all the lives cut short, so that they are not forgotten,” is the message the association has chosen to accompany its initiative outside the Tribunal.
