Court Urges RSPCA to Allow Woman to See Cat's Body Before Autopsy

A high court judge has urged the RSPCA to permit a 79-year-old former lawyer to see her disabled cat's body before an autopsy, following a legal dispute that has led the woman to sue the animal charity and the Metropolitan Police for £500,000. Dr. Katherine Theodotou claims a 'malicious report' led to the seizure of her cat, Rita, in March.

Officers broke down Dr. Theodotou's door in March after receiving a report alleging that the 17-month-old black and white cat was being mistreated. Rita subsequently died in RSPCA foster care in July, escalating the case into a dispute over her remains. The cat was born with disabilities affecting her back legs and experienced occasional bladder infections, according to court proceedings.

Mr. Justice Cotter appealed for cooperation between the parties, stating, 'I think that should be facilitated. All she wants to do is see her cat.' He added, 'It is very unfortunate we are where we are. It's remarkable from an objective perspective that a claimant who loves and cares for animals and a charity designed to ensure the welfare of animals find themselves in this position.' The judge also cautioned that the legal proceedings would be costly, urging a settlement.

Video footage showed officers battering Dr. Theodotou's door multiple times with a battering ram before it broke. During a court hearing after Rita's seizure, RSPCA lawyers described the cat's condition as 'extremely concerning,' suggesting 'prolonged inadequate hygiene, nursing care, and monitoring within the home environment.'

In July, the High Court ordered that Rita's post-mortem examination would be conducted by both an RSPCA veterinarian and an independent practitioner chosen by Dr. Theodotou.

Dr. Theodotou, who was struck off the solicitors' register in 2022 for 'dishonesty,' founded and directs the Greek school of Islington. Her barrister, Liam Wells, stated in July that Dr. Theodotou was recovering from breast cancer surgery when RSPCA and Metropolitan Police officers arrived. He claimed that officers pushed Dr. Theodotou to the ground, making forceful contact with her wounded chest, as they entered the property to seize Rita.

Earlier, Dr. Theodotou's lawyers had sought an emergency injunction to prevent Rita's euthanasia before the trial. The RSPCA maintained it had done nothing wrong and stated that Rita was 'flourishing' with foster carers, with no plans for euthanasia.

The judge did not grant the injunction as a magistrates' court hearing to determine the agency's claim for full ownership was imminent. However, Rita died before the magistrates could rule on the matter. Dr. Theodotou, representing herself, expressed her grief and questioned the necessity of the police force used to seize her pet, stating, 'I'm entitled to her body or what is left of her body. She is my cat, my darling cat. I love this animal very much. I spent a lot of time caring for her. There was no need to come with six police officers to my house and break down the door.'

Initially, Dr. Theodotou filed a lawsuit seeking Rita's return and claiming damages for harassment and negligence against the RSPCA, as well as assault, battery, trespass, and negligence against the Met Police. The Metropolitan Police stated they had 'lawfully executed a warrant of entry' and had no further involvement in the case.