this post was submitted on 23 Dec 2024
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My next door neighbour (NDN) just told me about about the new neighbour (renter), who freely told her that she was evicted from her last place for having 19 cats, who she then abandoned. Fortunately, NDN is on the Facebook and was able to follow the local drama and find out they had all been rescued.

New neighbour told NDN she is going to sneak two cats into her new place (she's not allowed to under her rental agreement). NDN begged her not to and said if she must, to get them neutered, but it seems this woman just likes having her cats have kittens. I'm pretty sure she has the cats now as I saw pet supplies being delivered.

I want to do something to help now and prevent the same thing happening to more cats. I don't really care if she's breaking her rental agreement by having two cared for cats, but I absolutely do care about preventing neglect.

I know the RSPCA probably won't do anything and I'm not keen on getting someone evicted either. Any ideas?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 hours ago

Flyers in the neighborhood, posts on FB and Nextdoor, tell friends and coworkers and ask them to tell people.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

The way I see it you have, broadly 2 routes you can go down. You can contact the RSPCA (calling your local branch if you can.) Explain your concerns and your evidence of previous behaviour. If there isn't a court order in place they will be limited with what they can do, but they are best placed to track the situation and seek such an order. It will largely be out of your hands what happens after that.

Alternatively you can avoid involving state power at this point, befriend your new neighbour and monitor the situation. If she can be spared social isolation, there may be opportunity for her to have a healthy lifestyle and properly look after her cats. You will also be in a better position to see any problems as they develop, and provide friendly advice and support rather than just calling in a big hammer.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 hours ago

Very good advice, thank you. NDN is an animal lover too, so we are both going to do our best.

The good news is, I may be mistaken that she was getting pet stuff delivered as I saw the same vehicle today and they were visiting another house. So hopefully it is the friend of the person who lives there.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

I know the RSPCA probably won't do anything and I'm not keen on getting someone evicted either. Any ideas?

The only way to guarantee they'll do nothing is to not notify them. Like you said, who cares if the animals are against the rules, as long as they're cared for. On the other hand, if the renters already have a history of neglect (and I would argue abuse)? Their lease agreement is not your concern if you're acting in the best interests of innocent animals...

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 hours ago* (last edited 8 hours ago) (1 children)

Thank you. I've done a web chat with RSPCA and let them know the concerns. I need to find some more details if we need to take it further.

But, I can report that the person I saw delivering the stuff may not have been going to her, as I saw them come and visit a different house. NDN still thinks she will try and obtain animals though, so we are staying vigilant.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 hours ago

No, thank you! Genuinely, for looking out for the kitties!!!