A cat has been appointed the mayor of an Italian town and will remain in office for a year.
Black and white moggy Miao spent her first day in office as ‘mayor of the animals’ of Civita d’Antino, Abruzzo Region, southern Italy yesterday (12th October).
Civita d’Antino deputy mayor Matteo Di Fabio swore Miao into her role by placing an Italian tricolore ribbon around her neck, as seen in these stately-looking snaps.
Miao will remain in office for a year before a new ‘mayor of the animals’ is appointed.
There are question marks regarding whether Miao’s appointment to the position of mayor was rigged, as she is reportedly the pet cat of Dio Fabio’s young daughter.
But local media reported that she has long been the mascot of the town, which is home to some 900 residents.
Surprisingly, Miao is not the first feline mayor in Italy.
Gravellona Lomellina, Lombardy Region, northern Italy has had a feline mayor tradition dating back to 2005.
Its first moggy mayor, Ciccetti, remained in office until it succumbed to feline leukaemia 2009.
It was succeeded by Pippi, who carried out the role until 2013, and its current mayor is Marina, who has even taken part in civil marriage proceedings.
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Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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