Have I got a case for harassment?

Question

My partner and I moved into our first home last year. Things were going ok until our neighbour 2 doors down complained that our cat Jake was attacking her cat. To help and support her we made arrangements to keep Jake in after 7am 4 days a week, offered to pay vet bills if she could prove it was him, offered to buy her a new cat flap and sought advice from various vets/behavioural therapists.

However, this hasn't been enough and her complaints are continuing, she is putting notes through our door every other week with another demand, she keeps coming round asking us to do something else for her, she's constantly accusing our cat of injuring her cat but has never seen him do it, she is becoming very aggressive using foul and abusive language and sending neighbours over to threaten us.

We've been very reasonable, making sure we've never risen to the bait and bitten back. Now we've had enough, it just seems so pathetic but we fear what's coming next. She's even threatened our cat's safety.

We've kept a diary, kept the notes and we've written to her to explain our views and ask her to leave us in peace. However, if this continues I'd like to know whether you think it's a reasonable case for harassment as we don't know what else to do

Answer 1

This is terrible, you shouldn't have to keep your cat inside especially if it is used to roaming. That's taking away your cats right and natural behaviour.

My cat comes in with scratches on his face quite often, I never complain its what cats do.

Next time she knocks your door to complain tell her you have re-homed your cat so she must of had the wrong cat all along.

The police won't do much to help until she has acted on her words.

Answer 2

Don't take this rubbish from her anymore, she is just taking the p**s. Collect all your evidence and take it to your local police station and make a formal complaint against her and whoever is threatening you on her behalf. She is a bully and a nutter that gets her kicks from this sort of behaviour. You have a rock solid case here so don't let it go, see her in court if you have to. I've had similar experience and know exactly how you feel. Tell her that unless it stops now then you are going to the police as she is committing not one but several offences then follow through with the police. These lunatics make my blood boil as they can take control of you mind and your life if you let them. Go for it, sort her out once and for all. Keep cool and you'll come out on top. Come back and let us know the outcome.

Answer 3

Keep your cat inside at all times and she will have no grounds to accuse you. Don't answer the door when she comes knocking. A case of harassment will be hard to prove and will only worsen the situation.  

Answer 4

I'd get a tape recorder and record anything she says if she threatens you or your cat then you've got her and you'll have something to hold over her head...I'd also keep the cat in 24/7 at least for awhile then if she says you cat did something to her cat you'd know she was crazy.

Answer 5

You can go to court for anything. That doesn't mean you'll win... Why don't you keep your cat securely in your house at ALL times, that way you know she's not hurting her or her cats. Your cat will be safer and there will be no issue.

Good luck

Answer 6

she is proberly useing her cat to get money out of you he cats proberly not even hurt call the police x

Answer 7

Another thing you can do to help your case, is put your cat into a cattery for a couple of weeks.  But tell no-one.  Ok I know it will cost,  but if during that two weeks she still comes round complaining and harassing you about what your cat is up to.  You can then bring your charges, present your diary, and say that she even complained about your cat when he was not there.  You will have proof in the receipt from the cattery.

The police will not want to get involved, neither will environmental health.  Unless you can produce proof of her harassment, and proof that what she says is wrong.    

Answer 8

I totally know where you're coming from, we've had problems with our neighbours since we moved in (ever seen Shameless on Channel 4? That's them!). Its not cat related but we have talked to the police and the council about them. Well done for keeping the threatening notes and a diary, this is perfect for having an ASBO put on her. It will basically mean she has to stop threatening you and use abusive and foul language towards you. Speak to your local police station about getting an ASBO on her. Once she breaches this ASBO she can be fined, sentenced, etc.

About the harrassment suit... well you could try suing her but that's gonna cost you dearly. Unless you have spare money lying around you can 'invest' I'd say leave it. If the police say you have enough evidence for pressing charges do that, but don't persue a civil suit, they take years and the outcome is uncertain.

Good luck with your neighbout and don't let her get to you. You definately have a case for an ASBO, if not harrassment and she's clearly blackmailing you.  

Answer 9

I'm not sure where you live, but where I live it is unlawful to let a cat outside without some type of leash.  

Answer 10

I would resolve the issue by keeping your cat inside and call the ASPCA on her cat since she shouldn't let her cat outside as well.

Then either contact an attorney or contact the police and file harrassment charges.  But will only hold if you keep your cat inside.  Not really ethical by letting him run outside, and then have the opportunity to cause these issues.  Besides, cats + outside do not mix.

Answer 11

It sounds like you have been more than accommodating to her and she has taken advantage of that. Keep a log of all that she does, time, dates and details etc. along with any notes she gives you and see your lawyer to see where you stand. Either that or the police. Good luck with it and I hope that she starts to leave you be soon... :)

Answer 12

i recon that if she has no proof that it is your cat doing that and she keeps threatening you etc.. that that is wrong, your right for keeping a diary and keep note of whats happening, if it continues tell someone and get it further, you've offered to pay vet bills, and a catflap, i think thats nice enough, i do think its harassment

Answer 13

Yes you definitly have a case there you shouldnt have to put up with it. Take it too the police. She should keep her dam cat indoors then it wouldnt get hurt.

Answer 14

First thing I would do is keep Jake inside this lady sounds like a "whacko" and I dont doubt she would try anything even hurting your cat to get your attention...for his sake keep him inside

Answer 15

it'd at least have a restraining order taking out due to "threat to property"

freakin crazy lady

Answer 16

I think your do.

Phone the police

Answer 17

I think you would have a case. I would check out and see if you have a leash law in your area when it comes to cats to see if you or your neighbor is at fault and contact an attorney since you have all these letters. I think you have gone above and beyond what any good citizen would have done.

Answer 18

You shouldn't be letting your animal run at large.  

Answer 19

thats bad of ur neighbour for accussing ur cat, does she have any proves? okay, try to keep ur cat indoor for couple of weeks wait and see if ur neighbour comes back and complian again, u will probably know it wasn't YOUR cat who attacks neighbours cat while ur keeping ur cat indoor. if she still harasses u for no reason if it wasn't ur cat, report on her!