A Catania resident trained his canine to dispose of trash under the cover of night, specifically to evade surveillance cameras. Consequently, the man was issued a fine surpassing a thousand euros, according to reports from the municipal police.
A man residing in the Sicilian city of Catania managed to train his dog to discreetly dump refuse in unauthorized locations, as reported by The Guardian. Information from the municipal police suggests the dog would venture out after dark carrying a plastic bag in its mouth—a tactic the owner employed to circumvent the video surveillance system established to combat illicit dumping.
However, the animal was still captured on camera in the area of San Giorgio. The footage was subsequently published on the city’s official social media page, accompanied by a critical comment from the police department. The clip illustrates the small dog gently placing the bag near the roadside.
“The animal was trained not only to discard the waste but also to remain unseen by the camera,” the municipal police elaborated. Authorities characterized the owner’s actions as “immoral, cunning, and doubly wrong,” and consequently penalized him with a sum exceeding one thousand euros.
The issue of illegal waste dumping remains a pressing concern across Southern Italy. In 2023, over 9,300 violations were recorded, representing a 66% increase compared to the preceding year, The Guardian notes. Municipalities are expanding their camera networks, with video evidence being the basis for 93% of the fines levied.
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