Shelter Sues Adopter For Letting Cat Outside
Shelter Sues Adopter For Letting Cat Outside while on a leash
by Robert Hudson
Pamela Howard, who was sued by the owner of a pet shelter for taking her adopted cat outside, ON A LEASH, will get to keep her blue eyed gorgeous kitty after spending over 3000 dollars in legal fees.
The terms of the adoption from the Odd Cat Sanctuary in Salem, MA stated the cat must be kept indoors at all times for “its own safety”.
Howard took the cat outside on a leash for five minutes, and posted a photo on Facebook. This prompted adoption agency director Tara Kawcyznski to go to court claiming breach of contract demanding the cat be returned.
After a court battle, and a win by Howard, Kawcyznski indicated she would continue to fight it in court, but later conceded that the rescue will not pursue it any further.
Would you spend 3000 dollars to fight to keep your cat? Did Odd Cat Sanctuary overstep it bounds? There have been other cases in the past where a rescue tried to force someone to return their adopted animal. On of the most famous was Ellen DeGeneres who gave her dog to her maid. The rescue who adopted out the dog to Ellen said it was a breach of the contract. The maid had to give up the animal. That was years ago and the rescue is still taking heat for it today.
How far can a shelter go in dictating what happens to the animal after its adopted? How far should they go?
Certainly there are several reasons why a cat is much better off in a life as an indoor cat. But should it be mandatory? And should a rescue have that authority?
Here is the adoption policy of Odd Cat Sanctuary in Salem, MA
Providing a forever home for an odd cat is really very easy! Simply complete the online adoption form, including information about your current veterinarian (or download the adoption form below) and submit it. We will confirm your veterinarian and contact you to set up a home visit. And please don’t think we’re interested in conducting a white glove inspection. Not at all! We simply need to make sure that you are legitimately interested and able to share a safe, loving environment with your new family member.
Once approved, you can meet the cats that are available for adoption at that time. When you have decided on the cat you would like to adopt, there is a $250 adoption fee for kittens, $200 for adults/seniors, and $400 for a pair. Thank you so much for your interest in our organization. And be assured that we are 100% committed to the cats that are in our care.
Did the shelter overstep?
In my opinion no shelter or rescue should have this authority. At the very least in a case like this, the rescue should have to pay all the legal costs if they loose. To this day, Odd Cat Sanctuary, has not apologized or shown any regret for putting Howard through this ordeal or indicated that there has been any change to their policy. It is not known how many other adopters have gone through this without having the money for a legal defense. Please add your comments to this discussion.
