Paolino was a well-liked, active cat, often found roaming around the street's gardens, like most cats do. "Nobody ever came to talk to me that the cat was bothering them", Elisabetta says.
At 8.15pm on Thursday 2 July, a neighbour came over to tell Elisabetta that he had found a red-and-white cat lying on the lawn of their neighbour's house. Convinced it was hers, the neighbour asked Elisabetta to go over there and look.
It indeed belonged to the Cucchi family. Elisabetta took him home, but due to his thick fur covering the wound she did not assume it was a violent death. In fact, she was unsure as to why he had died.
In the morning she brought him to the vet, who, following an autopsy and X-ray, made a shocking discovery: an air gun bullet had pierced Paolino's back, damaging vital organs.
Despite not expecting much sympathy or willingness from police, Elisabetta was surprised by the officer's kindness and efforts to investigate the situation.
Any witnesses with information are kindly asked to step forward and notify the police.
As most pet owners, Elisabetta had a unique bond with Paolino: "You can explain the connection you have with a human being, with an animal you cannot. But it's strong, it's intangible. You feel loved for what you are. There are no filters."
Despite the fact that she lives in "a wonderful street, the neighbours are wonderful, it's a community", Elisabetta is convinced there's "a rotten apple in a basket of great apples." She is worried about kids walking the streets alone where some resident may own an air gun. "This person is obviously unwell and armed. What if they shoot at other things than pets?"
Concerned by the prospect, she shared her story in the Facebook group "Pet owners in Luxembourg", which attracted widespread attention.
"I want him to know, and we are watching, that if he's thinking of trying this again, then the police will take it even more seriously", Elisabetta underlines. "I totally respect people who may dislike cats. But you just come and talk. There are solutions."
