Champion Hunting Dog Stolen in Italy: Athos Disappears in Toledo During World Tournament Preparation. The renowned German Bracco Athos, Italy’s hunting champion, has been stolen in Toledo. His owner is desperately searching for her prized dog and is offering a reward. The incident has caused a stir among hunting dog enthusiasts.
The five-year-old German Pointer Atos, pride of the Italian hunting team, disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Toledo. The dog had arrived in Spain to take part in the world practical hunting championship, but a week before the tournament began, he was stolen straight from his trainer’s car. For the owners and the entire team, this came as a real shock: Atos is more than just a pet—he is a recognized athlete and a crowd favorite.
The dog's owner, Katharina Boerner, was unable to fly to Spain immediately, but upon hearing what had happened, dropped everything in Rome and set out in search. She doesn’t hide her desperation: for her, Atos is family, not just a prize-winning dog. The family has announced a reward for any information that helps bring the champion home.
Disappearance in Fuensalida
On Sunday morning, trainer Roberto Scarpecci took nine dogs out for training near Fuensalida, in the province of Toledo. After their run, Atos, like the others, was placed in a specially equipped van to rest. When the trainer returned several hours later, he was met with an unpleasant surprise: the window of the vehicle had been smashed, the door was wide open, and of all the dogs, only Atos was missing.
The trainer's personal belongings—including documents, a driver’s license, and money—vanished along with the dog. The other eight dogs were still there, which only deepened suspicions: the thieves clearly knew who they were after. Atos is well known in the world of hunting competitions and unmistakable among other participants.
Investigation and search
Immediately after the incident, the owners contacted the local police and filed an official theft report. According to law enforcement officials, cases of hunting dog theft in the region are not uncommon, but the disappearance of a dog at this level is very rare. Usually, the victims are greyhounds, not champions of international competitions.
Atos's owner notes that selling such a dog is nearly impossible: he has a microchip, and is well known in professional circles. The family is actively spreading the word about his disappearance, hoping that local residents or competition participants might spot the dog and help bring him home.
A champion outside the ring
Atos is more than just a dog; he is a true athlete. Over the years, he has become not only a source of pride for his owner, but also a loyal friend. Katarina admits that for her, the most important thing is not titles or awards, but the chance to embrace her beloved pet again.
The family now has to return to Italy, but the search continues. They are not naming an exact reward amount to avoid encouraging scammers, but are ready to generously thank anyone with credible information. In the world of hunting dogs, the disappearance of such a champion is an extraordinary event, and many are hoping for a happy ending to this story.
