Katherine Theodotou is suing the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA after her disabled cat Rita died while in the charity's care. The 79-year-old, who specialised in Human Rights law, says the case grew out of the removal of the 17-month-old cat from her home.
Theodotou said she had spent large sums of money to keep Rita “safe and well”. She also claimed there was no need to take the cat away, while the RSPCA said it acted after receiving a report from vets who had treated her.
Katherine Theodotou and Rita
Theodotou was struck off the roll in 2022 in a decision by the SRA. She said six police officers smashed through her front door and pushed her violently to the ground when Rita was seized, and she is claiming damages against the RSPCA for harassment and negligence, and against the police for assault, battery, trespass and negligence.
The Metropolitan Police reportedly said officers “lawfully executed a warrant of entry into the claimant's property”.
Rita's death in care
The RSPCA's barrister said Rita's condition was extremely concerning and had significantly deteriorated, including evidence suggestive of prolonged inadequate hygiene, nursing care and monitoring in the home. The dispute then shifted from removal to death: Rita died just days before a magistrates hearing that was due to determine ownership.
After Rita died, Theodotou started a claim for the cat's body to be returned to her for a post mortem examination. A judge refused immediate return and ordered a joint post mortem with an RSPCA vet and an independent vet selected by Theodotou, writing that both sides should have the chance to get the information they seek about the animal's death.
Joint post mortem for Rita
The ruling leaves the remains with the joint examination before return to Theodotou. “Thereafter the remains of Rita the cat can be returned to the claimant,” the judge said, narrowing the next stage to one question: what caused Rita's death while she was in the RSPCA's care?
