UK cat custody battles trigger police raids and tribunal rulings

A dispute over a neighbourhood cat in England saw police involvement and a Disputes Tribunal decision. After a woman moved house and took the cat, known as Moggy, the former owners compelled a tribunal to apply the legal test of conversion and order the animal’s return.

Separately, a 79‑year‑old former human‑rights solicitor is suing the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA after officers forced entry with an axe to seize her disabled cat, Rita. The plaintiff seeks an injunction to have the cat returned and damages for alleged assault, trespass and negligence.