Et tu, Brute? Phoenix Police Officer Accused of Preventing Rescue of Cat for Nine Days

Animal advocates are outraged over the alleged refusal of a Phoenix, Arizona police officer to allow a cat named Brutis from being rescued from a tree for nine days. The cat became stuck in the tree on Christmas Day. The officer was reportedly worried about liability and witnesses claim that they flashed his gun and badge to keep them away.

The Humane Society attempted a rescue but found that its ladders were not tall enough. His owner, Michael, said that the officer would not allow any further attempts out of concern with liability if someone got hurt.

Toni Smith and Terry Toman with Citizens for North Phoenix Strays told the media that they attempted a rescue from a public sidewalk but that the officer went ballistic: “This guy comes barreling out of his house, flashed his gun and his badge, and started screaming and freaking out.”

The police department is defending the officer and insists that he has a right to defend his property. Brutis is now back with his owner after nine days.

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