Officials in Calabria, Italy, are facing a troubling investigation into a series of arson incidents as they combat ongoing wildfires in the region. According to local authorities, investigators discovered cats with rags soaked in flammable substances tied to their tails.
“These animals were released into fields, running around and spreading flames,” stated Costarella, a key figure in the investigation.
Further evidence suggests the fires were intentionally set, including lit candles found among the flammable rags and devices designed for delayed ignition.
Firefighters have been actively working to contain the fires in the Pollino National Park area, conducting over 160 rescue operations in just the past day.
The Italian animal and environmental protection association has filed a criminal complaint and offered a €1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the animal cruelty and arson.
CNN reports that this method of using cats to ignite fires is not unprecedented in Italy. Back in 2016, authorities in Sicily accused organized crime groups of employing this tactic, and similar reports emerged near Naples the following year.
Researchers have indicated that organized criminal factions may resort to arson to acquire scorched lands cheaply, aiming to profit from their redevelopment or energy project implementation in the aftermath.
