A former solicitor is pursuing legal action against the RSPCA and the Metropolitan Police, demanding the return of her disabled cat's body. Dr. Katherine Theodotou, 79, alleges that her 17-month-old cat, Rita, was improperly seized from her London home during a police raid in March and subsequently died while in the RSPCA's care.
Legal Battle Over Cat's Remains
The legal dispute escalated after Rita died unexpectedly two days before a scheduled court hearing to determine her ownership. Dr. Theodotou is seeking to have Rita's body returned so she can conduct an independent post-mortem investigation to understand the cause of death. The RSPCA, however, has resisted this, stating its intention to conduct its own post-mortem to gather evidence.
A High Court judge, Mr. Justice Kimblin, declined to order the immediate handover of the cat's remains. Instead, he mandated a jointly conducted post-mortem, involving a veterinarian from the RSPCA and an independent vet chosen by Dr. Theodotou. Following this, Rita's remains are to be returned to Dr. Theodotou.
Seizure of the Cat
The incident leading to the lawsuit began in March when police, accompanied by RSPCA officers, executed a warrant to seize Rita from Dr. Theodotou's home. The raid followed a report alleging mistreatment of the animal. Dr. Theodotou claims this report was malicious and that she was the victim of a "malicious report."
Dr. Theodotou's barrister stated that officers used an axe to break down the front door of her home while she was recovering from breast cancer surgery. He further alleged that police officers pushed her to the ground, impacting her wounded chest, as they entered to seize the cat.
The Metropolitan Police have stated that officers lawfully executed a warrant to collect the cat due to welfare concerns and have no further involvement in the case.
Cat's Condition and Previous Hearing
According to the RSPCA, a veterinary examination of Rita upon seizure revealed her condition to be "extremely concerning." The charity suggested this indicated prolonged periods of inadequate hygiene, nursing care, and monitoring within the home environment. The RSPCA had no plans to euthanize the cat, asserting it was "flourishing" with foster carers.
An earlier attempt by Dr. Theodotou to obtain an emergency injunction to prevent the cat from being put down was unsuccessful. The court found no "real or imminent risk of euthanasia," with a magistrates' court set to rule on the RSPCA's bid for full ownership.
Dr. Theodotou, who was struck off the UK solicitors' register in 2022 for making "dishonest" statements on professional insurance applications, runs an animal sanctuary. Rita, described as disabled and unable to properly move her back legs, reportedly suffered from occasional bladder infections, but Dr. Theodotou insisted she was providing adequate care and that the cat was improving.
Dr. Theodotou's original legal case included claims for damages against the RSPCA for harassment and negligence, and against the Met Police for assault, battery, trespass, and negligence.