PALM HARBOR, FL. – The Postlethwaites and Hendersons have been townhouse neighbors for nearly two decades. They live six doors apart from each other in their gated community.
Four years ago, the Postlethwaites bought a kitty cat they named Gator. Until recently, Gator typically lived outside during the day and returned home in the evening to eat and sleep. But in January, Gator suddenly disappeared, and now the Postlethwaites are suing the Hendersons.
It all began on January 15 when Gator never came home. The next day, the Postlethwaites posted flyers in the neighborhood about Gator’s disappearance. Neighbor Tracy Carlin was posted as the person to contact regarding the missing kitty cat – a black, short-haired domestic feline.
Ten days later, Mrs. Henderson showed up at Carlin’s townhouse and dropped off Gator. Before she left, she allegedly said to Carlin, “If I ever see Gator outside again, I will not return him.”
But five days later, Gator was missing again, so the Postlethwaites went to their neighbors, including the Hendersons, inquiring about Gator’s whereabouts. Mrs. Henderson said she did not have the cat.
However, on March 5, the Postlethwaites spoke with Dr. Tracy Waughtal, a veterinarian, and two staff members at Countryside Animal Hospital and discovered that Mrs. Henderson had brought Gator – a black short-haired domestic cat – in for examination and treatment.
The Postlethwaite’s lawsuit states, “To the best knowledge, information and belief of John and Linda (Postlethwaite) the Defendants, Vicky and Gregory Henderson wrongfully seized and imprisoned Gator in their home because they do not believe Gator should be permitted to go outside.”
The Hendersons are accused of committing “an affirmative act of dominion and control” by imprisoning Gator against the Postlethwaite’s wishes. And they demand a trial by jury.
Attorney for the Postlethwaites is Jennifer Maskraitis of Tampa. Neither she, the Plaintiffs or Defendants were available for comment on the case.
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