London, United Kingdom. Cypriot former human rights lawyer Katherine Theodotou, 79, said she intends to sue the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA after her disabled cat died shortly after being seized and placed in foster care.
Theodotou denies allegations that she neglected the 17-month-old cat, Rita, and has sought the return of its remains for a post-mortem examination.
Cat seizure
Theodotou said police officers forced open her front door with an axe earlier in March under a warrant issued over allegations of animal neglect. She alleged that she was violently pushed to the ground during the operation.
She said Rita had been pampered and cared for at home by two private nurses and a physiotherapist, and alleged that the case resulted from malicious reporting.
RSPCA assessment
The dispute was first heard in court after Theodotou applied for an injunction to prevent the RSPCA from euthanising Rita. The organisation said it had no intention of euthanising the animal.
According to the Daily Mail, RSPCA representative Mark Townsend told the court that a veterinary examination following the seizure found Rita in an extremely concerning condition. He said the findings suggested the cat had experienced prolonged periods of inadequate hygiene, nursing care and monitoring in the home.
Post-mortem order
Two days before a court hearing over Rita’s ownership, Theodotou was reportedly told that the cat had died suddenly in RSPCA foster care. The dispute subsequently concerned the return of the animal’s remains.
Theodotou returned to the High Court seeking Rita’s body for an independent post-mortem examination. The RSPCA declined to hand over the remains, saying it would conduct its own investigation to obtain evidence.
At a brief hearing on Friday, the court did not order the remains to be handed over. It instead directed that a joint post-mortem examination be carried out by an RSPCA veterinarian and an independent veterinarian selected by Theodotou.
Justice Kimblin said the RSPCA had the right to investigate the death under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, while Theodotou also had rights as the cat’s owner.
