A 79-year-old former human rights lawyer has launched legal action against the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA, alleging officers used excessive force while removing her disabled cat during an animal welfare intervention. Days later, the cat died while in the charity's care, transforming what began as a animal welfare investigation into a complex legal dispute.
The case centres on Rita, a 17-month-old cat born with severe disabilities affecting her back legs. Her owner, Katherine Theodotou, maintains the animal received specialist veterinary treatment and devoted care throughout her life. The RSPCA, however, says it acted after veterinary professionals raised serious concerns about Rita's welfare.
