Cat colonies vanish in Tuscany, Italy

Nine neutered, microchipped cats from a long‑standing colony disappeared overnight near the provincial road of Castiglione della Pescaia in Grosseto, Tuscany. Volunteers who feed the animals reported hearing dogs bark unusually loudly before finding the colony empty the next morning. No carcasses or signs of the cats were found, and the association caring for them has filed a report with the forest police to determine whether the cats were stolen, moved illegally, or fell victim to another cause.

A second disappearance was reported in the Barcaccia area near the dam in Valfabbrica, also in Tuscany. The stray cats, known locally and supported by fishermen and volunteers, have not been seen for several days. Attorney Valeria Passeri, active in environmental and animal‑rights issues, has called on authorities to investigate the incident and identify any responsible parties. Both cases have prompted local animal‑welfare groups to request urgent checks by law‑enforcement agencies.