The girl who kicked a kitten in Alberobello could end up on trial, throwing it into the icy waters of the fountain where it died

The episode which occurred last January ad Alberobelloin the province of Bari, had aroused profound indignation among citizens and on the web. A 15 year old girl had kicked a stray cat named Grey, causing him to fall into the icy waters of the fountain in the main square of the city.

The cruel gesture, filmed by a friend with a smartphone, had been shared on social media just to brag about what we’ve done and with a provocative caption: “Hello love, get some notoriety”. A post that clearly sparked a reaction of general indignation.

Grey, an elderly and already sick cat, was part of a cat colony lovingly cared for by a local barmaid, Catia Bianco. It was she who find the lifeless body of the cat shortly after the episode, drowned and probably a victim of hypothermia.

The woman had filed a complaint, defining the gesture as “incomprehensible” and asking that the girl be aware of his actions. “It is right that he understands the gravity of what he has done and learns respect for all forms of life” he declared.

The contemptuous attitude is also taken into account

So it followed an investigationconducted by the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office of Bari under the supervision of the PM Caterina Lombardo Pijola, who collected video evidence and testimonials which confirm the young woman’s responsibility. The video shows the girl laughing at the gesture while the phrase later reported in the caption is heard: “Ciao, amò”. The prosecution, which requested the indictment, considers not only the brutality of the action but also the girl’s contemptuous attitude which cannot be underestimated and which deserves exemplary punishment.

The case will be discussed on January 20, 2025 during the preliminary hearing before the Juvenile Court. Judge Francesca Stilla will decide whether the 15-year-old will face trial. Meanwhile, the mayor of Alberobello condemned the episode, calling it “unspeakable”, but also invited the community to avoid personal attacks against the young woman, underlining the need to deal with the matter in a constructive way.

Whatever the court’s decision, this tragic episode – which unfortunately is not isolated – reminds us once again of the importance of raise awareness young people to respect animals and be aware of the consequences of their actions. Grey’s story is not only an act of cruelty against a defenseless beingbut also a warning to educate future generations about the value of any living being.