The dog was found in northern Rome on Thursday, with a tortured head and broken legs, Il Messaggero reported.
Passers-by reported seeing a man with a dog lighting a fire on Wednesday night, although did not give details about the animal being attacked.
Police have now opened an investigation to find out who the culprits are, the newspaper said.
The dog’s death comes a day after two teenagers were arrested for killing a cat close to Brindisi, in the heel of Italy’s boot.
The cat was taken from a street in central Tuturano and stoned to death, Articolo Tre reported on Wednesday.
Onlookers phoned the police who promptly arrested the teenagers, but the cat died at the vet’s shortly afterwards.
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