Shocking Arson in Italy: Cats Used to Spread Wildfires

Italian authorities investigating a series of wildfires in the southern region of Calabria have discovered that arsonists used cats to spread the flames. The cats had flammable cloths tied to their tails and were released into fields, causing them to run around and spread the fire. According to Domenico Costarella, a Calabria Sivil Koruma Ajansı official, additional evidence of arson was found, including candles and delayed ignition devices placed among the flammable cloths. The Italian Animal and Environmental Protection Association has filed a complaint and is offering a €1,000 reward for information leading to the capture of those responsible for using the cats. Italian public broadcaster RAI reports that firefighters are working to control the wildfires in the Pollino National Park area of Calabria, with over 160 firefighting operations conducted in the last 24 hours.