Such a hangover: The Bülach governor’s office fined Verena O.* (58) for illegal appropriation of her neighbor Erna A.’s cat (72). The executive employees were fined CHF 700. On Wednesday, the Bülach District Court had to deal with the Causa Mici.
What had happened in tranquil Eglisau ZH? Verena O. is said to have taken charge of the magnificent red tabby cat Mici with feeding and locking it up.
“She literally locked the cat in because it could only get out if the accused opened the door for her,” says the penalty order. And further: You have provided the strange cat with food in order to bind it to you permanently.
Even the veterinary office intervened
In addition to the cat shelter, where the widow Erna A. had bought her cat for 250 francs, the veterinary office also intervened with Verena O. Feeding other animals is not generally prohibited, the office wrote. “But as a result, the actual owner often does not notice changes in eating behavior in good time, which means the animal can end up in a situation that is relevant to animal welfare.”
The alleged “lure” denied all allegations in court. “I only fed the cat regularly after she stood starved in front of me,” said O. She even brought the cat to the owner and offered to take it to the vet. But this was rejected.
Erna A.’s lawyer turned the tables. Mici suffered from diarrhea because of the foreign food. “And my client is still suffering from the loss today. She had to give the cat back to the shelter.”
accused acquitted
For the single judge, the accusations could not be proven in a legally sufficient manner. “The feeding should have been systematic and not just sporadic. So is imprisonment.” For these reasons, she acquitted the accused in full.
In addition to the loss of her cat, the pensioner is also left with legal fees of around 8,000 francs. The verdict could still be appealed to the Supreme Court.
* Names changed