A Nigerian man was arrested for attempting to cook a dead cat in an Italian playground last week, according to local reports. Bystanders called police after seeing the man trying to cook the animal on a makeshift grill, with photos from the scene showing him striking the fire with a stick.
The unidentified migrant was arrested on April 15 in Crocietta Park in the northwestern Italian city of Sarzana on suspicion of animal cruelty. According to Italian news outlet Cittadella Spezia, it was unclear whether the cat was killed by the man or whether it was already dead when he found it, but no charges were filed against him. The case sparked anger among animal rights campaigners and Italian politicians, who called for stronger action over the “barbaric” incident.
Piera Rosati, president of LDNC Animal Protection, was quoted Sun warned that life as a homeless person can be very difficult, but that this does not justify “serious acts of violence against animals”.
He added, “There are facilities and services that are able to guarantee hot meals to those in need.
“Killing an animal in a cruel manner and in a public place is never acceptable and should be prosecuted with the utmost seriousness.”
Right-wing Italian MP Michela Vittoria Brambilla said: “Whoever tramples on the life of an animal tramples on the values of our community.”
Security Councilor Stefano Tori condemned the incident in even stronger terms in a Facebook post, calling it “a dastardly act that cannot and must find no place in civil society”.
He said, “As an administration, we are ready to reiterate strongly: We will not allow anyone to come into our territory to import sick and barbaric customs.”
“Anyone who lives in our country has a duty to respect our laws and our sensitivity towards animals.”
Express has contacted Sarzana police for comment.
