Italian cyclist Antonio Tiberi has been fined €4,000 after admitting to shooting and killing a cat belonging to the San Marino tourism minister, Federico Pedini Amati, with an air rifle. Tiberi tested out the air rifle by aiming at the cat’s head, and the cat immediately died as a result.
The incident occurred last June when Tiberi, who lives in San Marino, tested the air rifle he had just purchased. He admitted to the court that he had targeted the cat, which belonged to his neighbor, Amati. The court spokesperson confirmed to CNN that Tiberi risks losing his residency status in San Marino after the conviction.
On Twitter, Tiberi, a winner of a time trial bronze at the Junior European Road Championships in 2018 and a time trial gold at the Junior Road World Championships in 2019, expressed his profound remorse for the occurrence.
He stated that he did something “tremendously stupid and irresponsible” and that he realized the seriousness and danger of his actions only after the fact. Tiberi also announced that he plans to donate his prize money from this season’s winnings to animal welfare organizations in San Marino and volunteer with those organizations in person.
Trek-Segafredo Team’s Response
Tiberi’s team, Trek-Segafredo, responded to the incident by suspending him for a minimum of 20 days without pay. This suspension will include three races in Italy. The team also announced that it would donate Tiberi’s suspended pay to an appropriate animal care, protection, and rescue organization.
The team issued a statement that condemned Tiberi’s actions and expressed disappointment. The statement also noted that the team’s goal was to assist riders in improving as both athletes and individuals. Additionally, the team committed to collaborating with Tiberi closely to ensure that he takes the necessary steps to demonstrate remorse, educate himself, and become a better person.
Pedini Amati’s Response
Federico Pedini Amati, the owner of the cat, condemned the light sentence and fine, and called for Tiberi’s residency to be stripped. He told Italy’s Corriere Della Sera newspaper that the cat was a beloved pet of his three-year-old daughter, Lucia, who “loved it.” He added that Tiberi should not be allowed to keep his residency in San Marino after what he had done.
San Marino’s Animal Welfare Laws
San Marino has strict animal welfare laws that prohibit the mistreatment of animals. Those who are found guilty of animal cruelty can face imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to €10,000.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many users expressing their shock and disappointment at Tiberi’s actions. Some have called for stricter penalties for animal cruelty, while others have criticized the light sentence and fine that Tiberi received.
Antonio Tiberi’s actions have caused significant distress to the cat’s owner and animal lovers worldwide. His apology and pledge to donate his prize money to animal welfare organizations in San Marino are commendable, but the incident has left a permanent stain on his reputation.
The Trek-Segafredo team’s decision to suspend him without pay and donate his suspended pay to an animal care organization is a positive step towards holding him accountable for his actions. However, some feel that the punishment is too light for the severity of the crime. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare laws and the need for stricter penalties for those who break them.
