A former solicitor, Dr.Katherine Theodotou, has launched a legal battle against the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) and Metropolitan Police after they seized her disabled cat Rita during a welfare raid.The incident occurred in March 2026 when officers used an axe to break into her London home, allegedly due to concerns about Rita's treatment.

Rita, a 17-month-old black-and-white cat with mobility issues, died suddenly while in RSPCA custody, sparking a dispute over the ownership of her remains.

Theodotou, who was struck off the UK solicitors register in 2022 for dishonesty, claims the raid was a malicious report and seeks answers about Rita's death through a post-mortem.

The RSPCA insists they have a legal right to investigate the cat's demise under the Animal Welfare Act, while Theodotou demands the body be returned for her own examination.A court ordered a joint post-mortem involving both an RSPCA vet and an independent veterinarian chosen by Theodotou.

The case highlights tensions between animal welfare authorities and private pet owners, raising questions about the balance between legal intervention and personal care rights.