Tribunal orders return of 'Moggy' after police called in over 'cat conversion' case

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/740462/tribunal-orders-return-of-moggy-after-police-called-in-over-cat-conversion-case

NZ police being absolutely useless as usual. "it's a civil matter", never mind that the cat is registered in their name.

15 points · 5 comments · view on lemmy.world

5 Comments

Dave@lemmy.nz · 1 pts · 49d (4 replies)

NZ police being absolutely useless as usual. “it’s a civil matter”, never mind that the cat is registered in their name.

I have many thoughts about this case, but in general I feel like it really isn't a matter for the police. Police are an enforcement agency, an ownership dispute does seem like a matter for a court or tribunal or some sort.

This story just makes me think of all the people who were burgled but the police didn't have time to investigate.

Viper_NZ@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 48d (3 replies)

How exactly is it a civil matter? An animal is property, surely this is simple theft.

Dave@lemmy.nz · 1 pts · 48d (2 replies)

From my understanding, the animal belonged to one side and was microchipped by the other. Who do the police return it to?

Ilovethebomb@lemmy.nz · 2 pts · 47d (1 reply)

No, the registered owner was the one who had the chip registered to them.

Dave@lemmy.nz · 1 pts · 47d

Cats don't legally have to have a chip, so if I take all the neighbourhood cats and get them microchipped, do I become the legal owner?