Couple demand compensation for dead cat

By WAYNE THOMPSON

A couple whose cat was put down without their consent are demanding $8500 compensation from the Waitakere City Council.

The cancer-stricken 10-year-old cat Chloe was removed from the Henderson home of Nikki and Robert Frittmann by a council animal welfare officer.

The last the couple saw of their cat was on April 21 when they left for work at their computer repair shop.

They returned to find a business card under the door from a Waitakere City Council animal welfare officer asking them to contact him. When they did call they were told Chloe had been put down.

The couple want an apology and compensation from the council.

"Nikki was having nightmares about Chloe being put down without someone who cares about her being there," said Mr Frittmann.

"My wife got her from the SPCA at about two years old and it's been really hard for us."

Council spokesman Dai Bindoff said the officer "found the Frittmanns' cat with a severe cancer to the nose and removed it for a veterinary surgeon's opinion".

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey said he was shocked at their "Chloe Case" newsletter being circulated around the city.

He said it would be improper use of ratepayers' money to pay the couple $8500 compensation.

The Frittmanns said any compensation would be given to the SPCA.