This Couple Is Facing Severe Backlash From Their Neighbours After Erecting A Giant Cat Enclosure
Some pet owners will go to impressive lengths to keep their animals safe, and this couple took that idea to a whole new level. They built a giant catio for their four cats, giving them a secure way to enjoy the outdoors without roaming free.
What should have been a thoughtful pet project quickly became a neighborhood headache. Their neighbors were not happy about the massive enclosure, and the backlash turned a simple cat solution into a street-level dispute.
Now the couple is stuck between protecting their cats and dealing with the fallout next door. Read on.
The enclosure cost £10,000 and is 9 feet high and 13 feet by 11.5 feet wide, which is undeniably huge.
The cage was built by the Halworth couple: retired police officer Sue and her husband, electrician Richard. They moved into the area two years ago. Three of their cats were rescued from a charity called Huddersfield Ferals and Strays, and their fourth cat was saved after being abandoned.
Neighbours have complained that the monstrous cage is out of character for the area and is an eyesore.
They also believe it creates a blind spot for traffic on the narrow lane next to it.
These seem like valid concerns.
As such, the local council in West Yorkshire demanded that the couple either apply for retrospective planning permission or dismantle the cage.
It also echoes the petty revenge Richard’s neighbors are complaining about, like the neighbor who retaliated against a crazy cat lady for roaming cats.
The council rejected the application for the cage, which features a series of tunnels and ramps for the cats to enjoy.
The couple will be appealing the decision.
Sue said:
"We don't want to upset anyone; we just want to live a quiet life and for our cats to be happy. They really love the space; there are lots of things for them to play with.
"Most of our neighbours think the cage is a great idea; there are just a few who have a problem with it.
The catio was built to prevent the cats from running onto the road and to protect them from the "bully cats" in the area.
The Halworth couple is willing to work with the council toward a solution. They have suggested reducing its size or changing the color.
I guess the lesson here is that if you want to build a giant catio for your cats, you should ask for planning permission first.
For more neighbor drama, read how entitled neighbors stole a cat, then dumped it at the vet.
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