The death of a small kitten in a Sardinian countryside town has shaken Italy. Tigro’s story, which unfolded in February 2025, drew an outpouring of grief and a rare public appeal to those responsible.
What Happened to Tigro
On February 3, 2025, Tigro was found in the countryside around Dolianova, a town in southern Sardinia, after being doused in gasoline and set alight. A man named Fabrizio and his family rescued him and took him to a vet. The volunteers of the Fierogatto animal association then cared for him around the clock.
Tigro fought for almost two weeks, but his burns were too severe, and the association announced that he had died. Fierogatto thanked the vets who had tried to save him and said he would be buried in a familiar place, with a tree planted there in his memory.
A Reward and a Public Appeal
Ugo Cappellacci, a Forza Italia member of parliament and president of the Chamber’s Social Affairs and Health Commission, offered a €1,000 reward for information leading to the person responsible. The mayor of Dolianova, Ivan Piras, said the police were working and that the key to the case might come from the community itself.
Fierogatto’s president, Simona Contu, said her group had been warning authorities for some time about growing violence against animals in the area and that earlier action might have helped.
A week later, Cappellacci said people had come forward. In a video message, he said “I know who you are,” and urged the person responsible to confess, even if still a minor, to speak to their parents and present themselves to Dolianova’s municipal police. He said that whoever gave the name declined the reward, so the money would go to groups that protect animals.
Alarm Over Other Cases
The case came amid other reports of animal cruelty around Dolianova. The Italian group LNDC Animal Protection said that in recent weeks four dogs had been killed in the same area, including one found hanged from a tree. It called the cluster of incidents worrying and filed a formal complaint urging authorities to investigate.
How to Help Protect Animals
Pet owners and animal lovers can take steps to keep animals safer and to respond to cruelty:
- Report cruelty. Contact local police or an animal welfare authority, and keep any photos or video you have.
- Identification. A pet microchip and ID tag help return lost animals.
- Keep pets secure. A catio, cat enclosure or secure fencing limits risks for outdoor pets.
- Home cameras. A home security camera can help deter harm and provide evidence.
- Pet insurance. Pet insurance helps cover emergency treatment after injuries.
- Support rescues. A donation to an animal rescue or fostering supports injured animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did this happen? In the countryside of Dolianova, a town in southern Sardinia, Italy, on February 3, 2025.
What happened to Tigro? He survived nearly two weeks in veterinary and volunteer care but died of his injuries.
Who offered the reward? Ugo Cappellacci, a member of the Italian parliament.
Has anyone been identified? Cappellacci said someone had named the person responsible, and urged them to come forward. No public charges have been widely reported.
Sources: L’Unione Sarda and il Dolomiti, all covering the February 2025 death of Tigro, a kitten attacked in Dolianova, Sardinia, and the reward and public appeal that followed.
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