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Agde Cat Dispute: €1,250 Fine and €30-Per-Visit Penalty Now Faces December Enforcement Review

Animal-welfare advocates warn the case could set a precedent restricting roaming cats.

Overview

  • On January 17, 2025, the Béziers tribunal fined the owner €1,250 and attached a €30 astreinte for each new intrusion by the cat, Rémi.
  • Following claims of repeat visits, the neighbor filed again in July seeking more than €2,000 in damages and a possible increase of the per-visit penalty to €150, to be considered at a December enforcement hearing.
  • The owner contests the evidence, arguing the 90-page photo dossier does not prove Rémi caused the damage and noting other similar cats in the neighborhood.
  • The complaining neighbor installed extensive surveillance cameras and received a CNIL warning about their coverage, and he declined to comment through his lawyer.
  • To avoid further penalties, the owner has confined Rémi indoors and reports weight gain and aggressive behavior since the judgment.