Escape Claws
Lewis the cat has been released from his probation. We first wrote about the feline menace way back in March of 2006. Then again in April and June of that year. Now, two years on, Lewis has changed his ways enough for a court to dismiss the charges against him.
A judge dismissed a reckless endangerment charge against Lewis's owner, Ruth Cisero, on Thursday, concluding she had met terms of a special probation for first-time offenders. Lewis is now an indoor pet, allowed outside only in a cat carrier.
"Unlike most of us, Lewis has learned to live with his limitations," said Eugene Riccio, Cisero's attorney.
The scratch-happy black-and-white cat drew widespread attention in 2006 when Cisero opted for a trial on the criminal charge rather than euthanize or declaw him. It became a national claws celeb, and some pet lovers even sported "Save Lewis" shirts.
Even the neighbor Lewis savaged is satisfied with the outcome. We are curious as to whether Lewis had to wear an orange jumpsuit while he was incarcerated. We rather like that mental image.
Uncategorized | Gaius Saturday, 5 July , 2008
By Ted Goldman, Saturday, 5 July , 2008 @ 9:53 am
Too many animal rights activists disregard the well being of humans. "Lewis", the scratch happy cat, does not have a right to attack any other animal, or a human.
If animal rights activists truly believe that "animals are equal to humans", then why not penalize these "animnal criminals" as you would a human?