Monday, February 12, 2007

Judge spares terror tomcat but orders house arrest, no exceptions

Doh! All she had to do was to keep her pet indoors, and prevent him from attacking people! This is from June 25, 2006
A state judge on Tuesday spared the life of Lewis the cat, whose vicious attacks on neighbors landed his owner in court, but the terrorizing tomcat was ordered confined to the house at all times.
"There are no exceptions. None," Judge Patrick Carroll told Lewis' owner, Ruth Cisero.
If Lewis gets out, even accidentally, Cisero could face up to 6 months in prison, and Lewis' fate would be in the hands of animal control officers.
Cisero had faced a charge of reckless endangerment because neighbors complained that the black and white cat's long claws and stealth had allowed it to attack at least a half-dozen people. Some who were bitten and scratched ended up seeking treatment at hospitals.
The judge ordered Cisero to complete two years of probation, after which her record will be expunged.
Cisero had fought to keep Lewis, and rejected a previous probation deal because it was contingent on euthanizing the cat.
"I never thought it would come to this," she said. "It's been an absolute nightmare. It's ruined my life."
The cat's case has drawn national attention, with Lewis appearing in People magazine and on his own page on MySpace.com. A Utah animal sanctuary offered to take the cat, but Eugene Riccio, Cisero's attorney, said Lewis enjoys life in southern New England and wants to stay.
LINK

7 comments:

Scooter said...

I recall this case. The stupid owner couldn't imagine why her neighbors resented being mauled by her cat! it was hilarious. I'd have clawed her.

Anonymous said...

I wish Lewis a safe and happy life indoors. Now, if only the judge would order house arrest for cats that terrorize birds....

Bird Advocate said...

"I'd have clawed her."
I know you would have, Scooter, and she deserved it, too!

Bird Advocate said...

"I wish Lewis a safe and happy life indoors. Now, if only the judge would order house arrest for cats that terrorize birds...."

Yes'm, or better yet for the cats and their owners, too! I really expect the powers that be will have to enforce our laws soon. I've been watching the pressure building in a number of areas.

Anonymous said...

If owners were punished also, I bet they wouldn't be so quick to let their cats do whatever they want outdoors.

Bird Advocate said...

I know you're right, Veery. I will never understand how they can be so concerned for the feral and roaming cats and calmly ignore their killing millions of our endangered wildlife.
We will have to take that choice out of their hands through activism of our own. Your blog Team is doing an outstanding job of getting the word out.

Anonymous said...

Well written article.