Could I get in trouble?

Question

My neighbor's cat is a nuisance (see previous question). If I took it to the ASPCA and told them I had no idea who owned it, and they found out it was my neighbor's cat and that I DID know that, could I be in trouble? I've made reports to animal control about the cat several times and they just tell me that there's no leash law on cats in our county and that the guy doesn't have to keep his animal on his own property and that I can't prove it's the cat doing it, but I know it is because the trash never got ripped up before the jerk and his cat moved in next door and the cat is always lurking around my yard..

My trash IS in a trash can- the guy next door works for the garbage pick up people and they require we use THEIR cans and the cat gets into my can because the lid is bent and they won't replace the bin or the lid because the damage is "minimal" and I can't replace it or they won't pick up the trash at all anymore.

can nobody read?? I CANNOT buy my OWN TRASH BIN. THE GARBAGE COMPANY WON'T PICK UP TRASH if it IS NOT in THEIR bin.. READ.. R-E-A-D

I've talked to the neighbor about it and he's a total jerk. He has this whole "sucks to be you" attitude..

Answer 1

I cannot agree more.

I find it the ULTIMATE in ARROGANCE and UTTER STUPIDITY for jerk wads to have animals and/or pets that they let roam and destroy OTHER peoples' property.

I have dogs. They stay on MY property. To expect YOU or anyone else to tolerate them trash digging, flower bed digging, or whatever is ridiculous. YOU shouldn't be expected to tolerate THEIR lack of control of THEIR animals.

Answer 2

Have you tried talking to your neighbor about his cat? There all also things used to train cats from causing damage in a house. Go to a local pet store and see what they have. Or at the very least try to tape up the spot when the cat is able to get into your trash. Also if you are outside and see the cat, spray him with water. It won’t physically hurt him but will make him think twice about coming near you.

Answer 3

I am pretty sure it could get you into trouble...i would not recommend it.

Here is my idea...call your local dog catcher. Tell them you have an unknown cat digging in the trash causing a mess. You would like to see if they have a cat box (which is a live trap that does not harm them). Set it up and when the little rat...I mean cat...gets in it...take it to the pound.

I find it odd that there is not leash law for cats in a town...they are the worst when it comes to getting under homes and trash...yuck!

Something else to consider go to a city council meeting and bring up the problem in your area. You don't have to name names but maybe suggest updating the city ordinance to include cats in the leash law.

Oh yeah one more thing...try talking to your local police department also...they may have better answers for you than where you called.

Answer 4

Talk to your neighbor and try to resolve the problem. If he's unwilling to control is pet, tell him that you'll be getting a BB gun. Then when you see the cat in your yard, pop his little butt with a BB pellet. If they guy cares about his pet, he'll keep it under control.

Another thought...since trash is public property once it's been put at the curb, it's not your responsibility if 'someone' happens to strow it out all over his yard in the middle of the night.

Answer 5

Yes, you can get in trouble. That would be considered theft of property. You have a record of complaining about this cat, so if your neighbor pressed charges their would be no way for you to deny it.

I would just put the trash in a trash can. I don't care for cat owners who let their animals out, but come on. This isn't worth your time.

Answer 6

You need to do something about that trash can lid. The issue is that and not the cat. There are always going to be animals like cats and raccoons that will root through garbage.

Leah - We have an outdoor cat that is not allowed in the house due to my allergies. It's not neglect to have a cat that stays outside.

Answer 7

Try cayenne pepper or moth balls in your trash. Supposedly the smell of the moth balls keeps them away and the pepper burns their mouth bad enough to keep them from coming back.

Anti-freeze is now formulated not to be harmful to pets.

I have never understood why cats don't have the same leash laws as dogs! Cats ruin paint jobs on cars WAY more often than dogs bite people!!!!!

Answer 8

Shame on you for taking someone else's cat to the ASPCA! Buy a garbage can that the cat can't get into, the ones with the lid attached. Whenever you see the cat in your yard, go out and shoo him away, or use a spray bottle of WATER (nothing else). They're not as stupid as you think. He'll learn to go somewhere else. Oh, I hope you get fined!!

Answer 9

I have a cat in the neighborhood that terrorizes my parrot - I intend to get a humane trap from the city to catch him then give him a very long ride to the country!

If it's really just the "garbage situation" you can pour ammonia (don't be stingy - ammonia is very cheap) in your bag before you tie it up & the cat won't get in it

Answer 10

I think you probably could get in trouble for that. It could be stealing his cat. He could press charges against you.

Do you have a homeowners association you could report him to? Have you actually tried to talk with him about it?

If I were you, I would call the ASPCA anonymously and ask them what they recommend. Say that you think the cat is being neglected since it is outside all the time.

Good luck!