Predatory Cats.—A Humorous Decision.

Otago Witness, Issue 1585, 8 April 1882, Page 28

Predatory Cats.— A Humorous Decision.

At the Kilmarnock Small Debt Court Andrew Byres, labourer, brought an action against Robert Miller, farmer, for £2 10s, as damages in consequence of the defender having shot a favourite cat belonging to the pursuer. The Sheriff, in giving decision, said: — The cat, whose untimely death has been the subject of this inquiry, appears to have been a cat possessed of more than the usual accomplishments, and the unfortunate event which has cut him off in the flower of his age— (laughter)— has no doubt created a blank in the family circle he adorned which it will be difficult to replace.— (Laughter.) At the same time, I am bound to say that when a cat takes to making surreptitious visits to neighbouring dairies, his safety cannot be considered a matter of absolute certainty by those interested in his welfare. ' In the present case the defender, while passing the door of his dairy, observed the cat in question issuing forth with what had originally been a half-pound of butter in his mouth. The defender, who had been previously annoyed by this very cat, was naturally indignant at the boldness of the theft ; and, running into, the house for his gun, took speedy vengeance upon the defaulter. I think the defender was justified in shooting the cat. The pat, in a domestic state, and while it behaves with due propriety and with proper regard to the rights of property—(laughter)—will undoubtedly be protected by the law ; but when it strays and commits damage upon the property of others, I hold that the owner of the cat is not entitled to damages for its loss. His Lordship accordingly assoilised the defender.