In a country where cats are cherished pets, a recent incident involving the tragic fate of a cat named Twix has ignited a nationwide scandal in Russia. The incident, where Twix was thrown off a train and subsequently found dead in freezing temperatures, has captured the attention of social media, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
The Unfortunate Journey of Twix:
Twix, a ginger and white cat, was accompanying his owner’s stepfather on a train journey from Yekaterinburg to St. Petersburg on January 11. While the owner’s stepfather was asleep, Twix managed to escape from his carrier, leading to multiple sightings of the cat by fellow passengers.
A critical turning point occurred when a train conductor, assuming Twix was a stray due to the lack of an immediate owner, claimed the cat had run away. Contrary to this statement, CCTV footage circulating on social media revealed a disturbing scene: an individual throwing Twix off the train during a stop in Kirov, approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Moscow.
The harsh weather conditions in the Kirov region, with temperatures plummeting to minus 30 degrees Celsius, proved fatal for Twix. Discovered lifeless on January 20, the cat is believed to have succumbed to frostbite, with traces of what appeared to be dog tracks around the body, suggesting a possible attack.
Public Outcry and Response:
The story quickly gained traction online, surpassing searches for even President Vladimir Putin on the day Twix’s demise was reported. Outraged by the incident, Twix’s owner, Edgar Gaifullin, offered a 30,000-ruble ($341) reward for anyone who could locate his beloved cat.
In an impressive show of solidarity, over 5,000 volunteers joined a weeklong search for Twix, reflecting the widespread empathy and concern among the Russian population. Additionally, an online petition garnered over 200,000 signatures, demanding the dismissal of the conductor responsible for throwing Twix off the train. Another petition, signed by more than 65,000 individuals, called for criminal proceedings against the conductor.
Official Responses and Investigations:
Despite the public outcry, as of now, no legal action has been taken against the conductor. Gaifullin, determined to seek justice for Twix, expressed his intention to pursue the matter in court. However, authorities have refrained from intervening, asserting that no crime was committed.
Russian Railways, in response to the incident, issued an apology for Twix’s tragic death. They announced a revision of their rules regarding pets on trains, pledging that conductors will no longer release animals into the wilderness. Instead, animals will be handed over to personnel at railway stations, who will coordinate with animal protection groups.
In a significant development, the State Duma has scheduled a round-table discussion to address the regulations governing the transportation of animals. This initiative, spearheaded by the head of the State Duma Committee on Ecology, Dmitry Kobylkin, was prompted by Twix’s heartbreaking story.
Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Alexandra Bastrykin, has taken note of the gravity of the situation and ordered an investigation into the events leading to Twix’s tragic end. The outcome of these investigations remains a focal point as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a pet’s untimely demise and demands accountability for the responsible parties involved.
