Swiss Woman Taken to Court for Feeding Neighbor’s Cat

A Neighborly Feud Turns Legal

A Zurich court heard an unusual case involving a 68-year-old pensioner who was accused of ‘luring’ her neighbor’s cat, “Leo,” by ‘systematically feeding’ him over ten months.

The case, which may sound bizarre at first glance, touches on a lesser-known part of Swiss property law: pets, including cats, are considered their owners’ property.

SRF reported that the pensioner had persistently fed Leo despite being told by the cat’s original owner to stop.

The accused even programmed a cat flap to allow Leo to freely enter and exit her home. Over time, the cat began spending most of its time with the pensioner, not returning to its owner.

Cat flap. Photo for illustration purposes only

A Criminal Charge for “Unlawful Appropriation”

According to reports, the original owner eventually filed a criminal complaint, accusing her neighbor of “unlawful appropriation.”

Under Swiss law, this charge can be applied when someone deliberately takes possession of another person’s property, even if that property has four legs and fur.

The Zurich public prosecutor’s office initially issued a suspended fine of CHF 3,600 (approx. S$5,595) along with an additional fine of CHF 800 (approx. S$1,243).

Woman Refused to Accept Penalty Order, Case Moved to Court

What moved the case to court was the pensioner’s refusal to accept the penalty order.

This rejection triggered a formal trial at the Zurich District Court, where both women appeared, each with legal representation.

Photo for illustration purposes only. Courtesy of Courts & Notary’s Offices

Closed-Door Proceedings Lead to an Unexpected Resolution

The trial was held behind closed doors, meaning the public did not have access to the detailed proceedings.

However, sources stated that the two parties reached a settlement.

While the exact terms of the agreement were not disclosed, it was reported that the original owner withdrew her complaint, and Leo would now remain with the pensioner.

The court case was resolved without a formal verdict or fines being imposed.

Feeding Someone Else’s Cat Can Be a Crime

This case points out an important detail in Swiss animal law. Swiss Info stated that “systematic feeding” of someone else’s pet can be considered a crime under Swiss law.

Occasional feeding will not be penalized, but consistently feeding and housing someone else’s pet, especially against their wishes, may count as unlawful appropriation.