Italian cyclist suspended, fined after shooting death of politician's cat

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An Italian road cyclist has been suspended from his team and fined more than $4,000 after he shot and killed a cat belonging to San Marino’s former head of state and current minister of tourism, Federico Pedini Amati.

Trek-Segafredo announced Tuesday that 21-year-old Antonio Tiberi would be suspended "a minimum of 20 days without pay" after local media reported that Tiberi had been fined $4,300 for shooting his neighbor’s cat with an air rifle in 2022 in San Marino. 

Antonio Tiberi of Italy and Team Trek - Segafredo competes during the 77th Tour of Spain 2022, Stage 8. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"Regarding Antonio Tiberi’s recent sentencing in San Marino, Trek-Segafredo fully agrees with the fine and strongly condemns the reprehensible act, which is a clear violation of the team’s code of conduct," the team’s statement read.

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"The team was previously unaware of the transgression and has immediately suspended Antonio for a minimum of 20 days without pay… If necessary, the team will take further action in the future. In addition to the fine already issued by the courts, the Team will donate Antonio’s suspended pay to an appropriate animal care, protection and rescue organization."

Antonio Tiberi of Italy and Team Trek – Segafredo after crosses the finish line during the 5th UAE Tour 2023. (Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)

Tiberi released a lengthy statement on Instagram apologizing for the incident. 

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"I deeply regret my shameful actions. Shooting the cat was something tremendously stupid and