So, I need a Cat whacked....

[Umbran]

Lawyer here- don't do TOO much to the cat- it can get YOU in trouble for animal cruelty.

You could just take the cat and keep it in your house until you can give it to someone else who will be a more responsible owner.

*Ahem*

Mr. Lawyer, sir, that cat is owned by the woman, and the aggrieved person knows it. You cannot legally take it into your own custody under these conditions.

Unless the owner is clearly abusing the animal (and letting a cat out doesn't count) legally and permanently divesting her of the animal can be difficult.

If the cat isn't vaccinated for rabies, the animal control people can take it, yes. However, if she goes to animal control and finds they have it, typically they'll simply force her to get the beastie vaccinated and wear its tags, and give it back to her. Failing to vaccinate is not cause to permanently take the animal.

 

[Mystery Man]

heheh "Titmice" heheh

My nieghbor has a cat she lets roam. I don't mind at all because it kills all the mice before they can get into my house. If it's in my yard its no big deal and if it does become a bother I just let my dog out. He's 30 pounds of solid brittany spaniel muscle, his ultra-hyper exhuberance thinking he has a playmate sends the cat running for the hills.

Get a big mean dog, no more cat.

 

[Henry]

Options 3 & 4 are right out, but I'm assuming you're just venting, there.

Option 5 is still best bet. Animal control doesn't usually report who called about a stray cat to be picked up, so I doubt the woman even would find out you called.

The worst news is that this family will probably just keep getting animals, and more cats, at that. The good news is it sounds like they could care less about spaying, neitering, or shots, so it's not really cruel to be reporting these "strays." Heck, she treats them like that anyway, if what you say is correct.

Diaglo and you both have the best, and most legal, approach.

 

[Bront]

Our cat is an indoor/Outdoor cat, but she's a wuss. She mostly just likes to wander around our yard, and chase bunnies. She actualy caught one once and tried to bring it inside, but it ran away after she set it down and got distracted. She's declawed, spayed, only eats dried food (she won't touch anything but about 3 or 4 brands), and is very social and playfull.

I feel sorry for you, but I think you're right, option 5 is best, but I wouldn't forget who owns her. Just call animal control and tell them everything, including why you felt you had to catch it. If it hasn't had it's shots, it's a potential danger to others, so you should do something. And simply ask to remain anonamous if they have to talk to your neighbor.

 

[Bihor]

Not that I have any thing with the cat wacking, did you suggest a bell on the colar of the cat.

This would give a huge malus to is move silently roll, and keep the owner happy.

If she won't do this nail the cat with a screewdriver on her door.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

Options 3 & 4 are right out, but I'm assuming you're just venting, there.

Option 5 is still best bet. Animal control doesn't usually report who called about a stray cat to be picked up, so I doubt the woman even would find out you called.

The worst news is that this family will probably just keep getting animals, and more cats, at that. The good news is it sounds like they could care less about spaying, neitering, or shots, so it's not really cruel to be reporting these "strays." Heck, she treats them like that anyway, if what you say is correct.

Diaglo and you both have the best, and most legal, approach.

I know I can't legally kill the cat. I could run it over if it happened to be in the middle of the road. But, legally, I can't touch it (inside city limits).

I can trap it, however. The thing is so wild it flies off at the mere apperance of a human being. It, won't even tolerate its owner picking it up. (I think she had to bring it here in a box). If I trap it (live cage), I can then call Animal Control to pick it up.

 

[mythusmage]

I get the impression the cat has not been fixed. It has also not been socialized. More's the pity. Methinks the lady in question is an irresponsible pet owner, and might be legally liable in that area. Would be a shame to have it (legally) killed, but sometimes you have no real choice.

Were it within my power I would purchase the cat, yet it neutered or spayed, and provide it with a home as an indoor cat. What you do is entirely up to you.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Mr. Lawyer, sir, that cat is owned by the woman, and the aggrieved person knows it. You cannot legally take it into your own custody under these conditions.

I know that...but there are caveats:

1) Depending on the municipality, you may be allowed to confiscate the cat as a private citizen acting in accord with local laws about animal control- in effect, doing a citizen's kitty arrest. Check your local statutes.

2) You can initiate a nuisance lawsuit - it is, after all, on the aggrieved's property. A nuisance lawsuit is when you sue someone for creating a nuisance that deprives you of the quiet enjoyment of your property, usually by having something they own intrude onto your grounds. Usually, its things like plants, smells, or even having a house that is an eyesore. Repeated pet invasions may or may not qualify- but I'm betting the cardinal corpses and feline feces he leaves behind probably do.

3) If nothing else, he can catch the kitty and bring it to the pound. 100% legal.

And you'd still be at less risk of legal action, and the action in question would be a minor misdemeanor if you were caught, as opposed to possibly getting pegged as a proto-serial killer and the major fines that follow an animal abuse charge that would follow a dead kitty.

 

[Dougal DeKree]

Vraille, your surely are aware that whatever makes the cat disappear, be it the animal service or an accident - the owner will know that you are responsible for it (even if you are not!) because you tried to reason with her. Be prepared for that...if you are the only one who tried to talk to her about her cat, that is.

 

[Aeric]

Keep the cat, shoot the woman.

In a perfect world.... ::sighs::