Two dog owners have been sentenced to one year in prison and ordered to pay €50,000 in damages after their three Rottweilers fatally attacked a 39-year-old runner on February 11, 2024, in the woods of Manziana, near Rome. The sentence was pronounced by the judge at Civitavecchia following an expedited trial process, highlighting serious issues of negligence on the part of the owners.

The prosecution had accused the couple of manslaughter, asserting that they exhibited negligence, imprudence, and lack of competence in the way they kept their dogs. It was revealed in court that the Rottweilers were housed in a property with inadequate external fencing, specifically a gap of about 25-30 centimeters that allowed the dogs to escape and launch their attack in the nearby forest. This breach of safety measures was central to the court's findings.

The legal proceedings emphasized how the absence of proper security measures contributed significantly to the tragic incident. In light of this case, it raises broader questions about dog owner responsibilities and public safety, particularly in environments where potentially dangerous breeds are involved. Such incidents can prompt a reconsideration of existing laws regarding pet ownership and liability for aggressive behavior by animals.