In a story that sounds a little far-fetched, an elderly woman is being sued by her condominium association in Tampa, Florida – for feeding a feral cat.
Don’t be cruel. Meow. Cleo is hungry!
The lawsuit alleges the 78-year-old woman feeds a stray cat, which she has named Cleo, and is thereby breaking the association’s rules by continuing to attract and feed the cat on the common element areas of the condominium. This, despite numerous warnings that have been sent to her by the condo association. We do not know if more than one cat is being fed on the condominium property.
The lawsuit does cite the potential for unwanted health issues to neighbours and residents, as well as the possibility of damage to property by the feral cat. The owner maintains she simply places a bowl under her car for the cat to dine, and then removes it after the cat has eaten.
Needless to say, the elderly woman is surprised and upset by the lawsuit, despite receiving previous warnings to cease and desist.
The case was taken to arbitration by the condo association, a Florida requirement, before it can proceed to court. However, the cat lady has not responded to the petition for arbitration.
In the meantime, an order was issued requiring her to stop feeding cats on the condominium property. The condo association wants a judge-issued injunction and … attorney’s fees and other costs.
A hearing date has not been set, but the association, through their attorney, stated that the almost octogenarian must comply with the order to stop feeding Cleo, the feral cat.
Closer to home – CAT Ontario
With the Condominium Authority Tribunal’s (CAT) expanded jurisdiction, condominium corporations may need to pursue pet and animal matters involving owners and residents through tribunal proceedings, rather than mediation, arbitration and/or court proceedings: https://www.condoauthorityontario.ca/issues-and-solutions/pets-and-animals-issues/
CAI CanadaWebinar – Expansion of the CAT’s Powers!
Join us on February 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for an informative CAI Canada webinar where the expanded jurisdiction of the CAT will be discussed. Click here to Register.
