Fragments 7

We learned of two cats, one in the US and one in England, that were served with restraining orders or ASBOs.

In Fairfield, Connecticut in March 2006, 5-year-old Lewis, a black-and-white longhair, attacked the residents of a quiet street. He would spring onto people's legs from behind, clinging on, biting and scratching and causing hospital visits for treatment in some cases. After one resident was targeted twice, and Lewis had also attacked a visiting Avon lady, the local animal control officer was called in. He said the errant feline could have limited freedom from his owner's home 'provided she gave him Prozac'!

Lewis apparently didn't think much of this idea, refused his medication — and attacked someone else. This resulted in his being 'confined to barracks'. Owner Ruth claimed the neighbours had been tormenting him by throwing eggs and spraying him with water. Meanwhile the Avon lady filed a lawsuit against owner Ruth Cisero . . .

A Fairfield, CT judge ruled that Lewis must be kept permanently indoors. His owner was granted 'accelerated rehabilitation', which meant that her record would be expunged after 2 years (presumably if Lewis didn't cause any more problems!).

By July 2008 a judge had dismissed the charge of 'reckless endangerment' against Cisero, concluding that she had met the terms required by her special probation for first-time offenders. The overall result is that Lewis is now an indoor pet, allowed outside only in a cat carrier. His case gained huge attention in the US and elsewhere. Lewis has his own MySpace page and a Wikipedia page is also devoted to him.

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A similar situation occurred in Wigan, Lancashire, England, when a stray black tomcat suddenly arrived on a quiet residential street and in an anti-social manner. He 'beat up' any local cat that crossed his path, and left strong-smelling reminders of his presence. The human residents christened him Asbo and tried to befriend him — but he didn't want to know.

He then disappeared, only to return seven weeks later: but he was a changed cat, wanting fussing and titbits and clearly wishing to be friendly. It turned out that one person had become tired of having his own cats bullied and had called in Cats Protection, the UK cat-rescue organisation. They trapped Asbo, neutered him and returned him to the area. Now another resident has given him a home and a new name. He is said to be calm, friendly, sensible — and odourless.