MAN HANDCUFFED UNDER PETNAPPING LAW FOR DUMPING NEIGHBOUR'S CAT
A man named Tim Armstrong from Nash Street in Meopham has been involved in a case under the Pet Abduction Act 2024.He admitted to abducting and then dumping a cat called Seal near a layby in Fawkham because he believed the cat was feral and was causing disturbances to his own cats.
The incident occurred in January and was discovered after the cat's disappearance prompted a Facebook appeal from its owner, Corrie Fautley, who told the court that Seal had been with her family for about four and a half years since being rescued from the Celia Hammond Animal Trust.
Armstrong, 59, claimed he acted to protect his cats and said he thought the cat was feral.
Despite his intentions, he drove Seal to a woodland area five miles away and released it.
When confronted, he kept repeating 'it’s done now' to the owner and later explained to the court that he believed he was doing the right thing.
The court proceedings noted that he had no previous convictions and is a cat owner himself who lives with his mother.
He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to a community order of 40 hours of unpaid work over 12 months, along with a £100 compensation payment, a victim surcharge of £114, and costs of £85.
The case highlighted the emotional impact on Seal’s owner and the distress caused by the incident.
