Same situation, different question.
We took in what we thought was a stray kitten a few days ago, and when we did, he was sick and swarming with fleas and tapeworms. His nails weren't trimmed and his little face was dirty. It was really gross.
Now a family is claiming that he's their cat. This makes me very angry because if they are the owners they should be ashamed of themselves. If they take me to court, do you think I could prove neglect?
2007-11-16 01:10:21 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
~*Meghan*~
When I said swarming I wasn't kidding. One of the worst infestations I've ever seen. And most of them were mature adults with egg sacs. This indicates that he has been infested for some time. Also, I know it is tapeworms because I've had cats all my life and when they wriggle out of his anus by the dozens and they are short, flat, and ALIVE, chances are good it's tapeworms. Again, he had to be infested for a while with his symptoms. But I hear what you're saying. Don't put a case together unless I have proof? Thanks for answering. :)
2007-11-16 01:31:40 · update #1
Yes this would certainly be a case of neglect. Any situation where an animal suffers from easily preventable problems is neglect - clearly the 'owners' haven't been treating the kitten as they should. This is probably due to ignorance rather than actual cruelty, but it's still neglect.
I see neglected animals all the time. They're brought in by their owners, who love them - but through sheer ignorance have let conditions go untreated for far too long. Love does not save an animal from neglect, sadly!
Anyway, I very much doubt a case like this would make it to court. Cats are not protected under the same laws as dogs, I don't think you can even claim legal ownership over them. Certainly you would not be punishable by court, so don't worry about it. I personally would not hesitate to pick up an animal that was obviously suffering, owners be darned.
If you're in England, get in contact with the Cats Protection League. You can get cats signed over to them if they're neglected and then there's bugger all the original 'owners' can do about it.
Chalice
2007-11-16 08:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definately try.....yet it could be difficult to have sufficient evidence. I would take pictures, and have dates ready and also take the kitten to the vet. Having a vet on your side stating that the condition that it is in could have been prevented and perhaps determine how long the kitten was like that.....you can't be positive how long the kitten has been outside....he could have gotten the fleas outside. It is also hard to tell that a kitten would have tapeworms until they mature into adults and are pooped out....
I would take it to the vet first....and see what they say. The other people may also be able to prove that it is their kitten as well....it all comes down to who has the best evidence to their case.
Goodluck to you.
2007-11-16 09:20:36 · answer #2 · answered by ~*Emily*~ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make them PROVE that it is their kitten!!! Don't give it back willingly!!! They can take you to court, but they have to prove that is was their kitten.
Actual LEGAL neglect is failure to provide food,water,or shelter. This is poor care, but probably does not fit the LEGAL definition of neglect. All they have to say is the kitten "got lost" and became infested with flean and sicknees as a result of being lost. I have seen it happen several times. People will say anything, and the burden of proof of the neglect would fall on you.
2007-11-16 09:21:25 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take pictures of the kitten. Document everything you can about this! If they try to make a case, let them! Then bring your pictures and documents.
Also, like the person before me pointed out, what proof of ownership do they have? I doubt very much they have any! I think you just saved this kitten's life. Good luck.
2007-11-16 09:40:34 · answer #4 · answered by danl747 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take pictures of the cat as proof that it's neglected when you found it ! beAnd phone the animal protection service to report neglect. You could also go to the vet with the cat and keep the bill.
2007-11-16 09:15:50 · answer #5 · answered by Mir 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes. if they couldn't take care of it, and let it suffer when it could not suffer it is neglected
2007-11-16 09:14:17 · answer #6 · answered by kittenlova 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they neglected the cat.. ahhh those kind of people make me so mad..
2007-11-16 10:07:30 · answer #7 · answered by starglowshady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋