How could i prove pet ownership in the courts?

sheramber

Whoever chipped the cat should have registered it but obviously didn't presumably relying on the owner doing it buit they didn't

The OP does not know where the cat came from. Perhaps a rescue who chipped but didn't register it.

When  my dog was chipped by my vet ( before it was compulsory) I had to register it myself. perhaps the owner did not understand  she had to do that.

Unfortunately, the  OP was not prepared to allow the cat to remain abandoned and the RSPCA could not take it without proof that no one was caring for it.

Had the cat been taken in by the RSPCA  or a charity , then yes, after 7 days it could be legally rehomed.

But the OP took the cat in.

However the RSPCA say this   https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/lost/cat

Rehoming a stray cat

You can rehome a stray cat if you can't find an owner.
Kittens can be rehomed when they're eight weeks old. If you're unable to keep the cat, a local animal rescue charity may be able to help.

Try contacting your local RSPCA animal centre, Cats Protection or other reputable organisations.

sheramber

 @Jmoo

All you can do is collate all the evidence you have of

The date  you noticed the cat 

What steps you took to trace the owner

contacting the RSPCA and their advice

your registration with the vet and the microchip

The treatment given by the vet and the costs.

the fact that you were still providng ongoing vet treatment for the cat 

The court would have to consider whether the fact  that  the owner made arrangements for the cat to be looked after and was unaware that it had  left to stray was  a reasonable excuse for what  happened.

Small Claims Courts  are informal proceedings and the judgement is based on the balance of probabilities.

The judge decides on the evidence provided.

Lavendyr

sheramber said:

Lavendyr said:

I'm genuinely amazed that the police have got involved in this - normally when the boot is on the other foot it's "a civil matter".

Knowing the background from your previous posts, I would fight them as far as you can on this. I don't think this is just about financial outlay but neglect. Have you veterinary reports from your visits? Notes of calls to RSPCA etc? From your description these people should not be allowed to own pets, but you will need to prove this unfortunately.

The  police are not involved

And also frustrated the police won't act despite a paper trail of evidence we'd done everything we could to try to find the owners and care for her. The police claim we stole her!

I think the OP wants to go to court to prove he can claim the cat back.

I was referring to this: "The police claim we stole her!" So they've clearly offered their view, right or wrong. Either way it's a side point of my post. The main point was the second paragraph.