In a heartrending incident in Russia, a cat named Twix met a tragic end after being thrown off a train by a conductor, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice. The state-owned rail giant RZhD, responsible for the train service, expressed deep regret over the incident and promised to revise its policies.
A Fateful Journey and a Harsh Reality
The unfortunate event unfolded on January 11 in Kirov, east of Moscow, when Twix, a ginger-and-white cat, escaped from its travel crate and was seen wandering through a train carriage. Mistaken for a stray, the cat was forcefully removed from the train and left in the snow by the train conductor. The region was experiencing extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -30C.
Community Mobilization and Tragic Discovery
Upon learning of the incident, hundreds of volunteers scoured the railway station area in Kirov in a desperate search for Twix. Their efforts, followed closely by thousands of people on social media, ended in sorrow as Twix was found dead. Reports suggest the cause of death was a combination of an animal attack and frostbite.
Public Outcry and Demands for Accountability
The incident has led to a public outcry, with over 70,000 people signing a petition demanding a criminal investigation against the female conductor, despite initial reluctance from local authorities. Additionally, a separate petition with over 200,000 signatures calls for the conductor’s dismissal. One of Twix’s owners has expressed intentions to seek legal recourse.
RZhD’s Response to the Backlash
In response to the public backlash, RZhD announced changes to its policy, stating that conductors would no longer be allowed to remove animals from trains. Instead, such cases will be handled by railway station employees and animal protection groups. The company also emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting its employees’ participation in the search for Twix and plans to collaborate with organizations aiding stray animals across Russia.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the treatment of animals in transport and ignited a significant conversation about animal rights and corporate responsibility in Russia.
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