Neighbor is caging my cats.

////Neighbor is caging my cats.

Question

My neighbor is starting to put out cages to cage my cats and they are putting tuna in them to bait my cats over. Normally my cats stay in my yard and don't go into said neighbors yard but now with the tuna they are. I had to go over to my neighbors house and break my cat out of the cage. Do I need to call someone to get them to stop trying to cage my cats? (no feral cat colonies are in the area)

Answer

People who intentionally lure another person’s animal may be criminally charged with theft, depending on the facts and circumstances. It is also illegal to mistreat or abandon an animal. The police should be contacted regarding theft or animal cruelty/abandonment. Security cameras may help to see whether your cats are leaving your yard. It could very well be that your cats have gone onto your neighbor’s property even without the tuna. It is unfortunate that not all people are welcoming to animals. In these situations, it is prudent to take action to prevent harm and not wait until an animal goes missing. Failing to do so can be tragic for the animal even if the person responsible for the harm is prosecuted. Consider keeping your cats indoors where they will be safer.

PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.

Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!

Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.

Ask a Legal Question

By |2023-04-25T12:49:38-04:00January 12th, 2023|