Video: French court bans cat from going outdoors

Dubai: A court in southern France has ordered a woman to keep her cat permanently indoors after her neighbour complained that the feline repeatedly jumped into his garden. The unusual ruling, handed down in the town of Alès, has triggered an uproar among animal lovers and rights groups, who warn it could set a worrying precedent.

According to local media, the neighbour accused the cat of damaging plants and frightening birds. The court sided with the complainant, ruling that the pet owner must prevent the animal from leaving her home — effectively placing the cat under “house arrest.”

Animal welfare advocates have criticised the decision, arguing that cats are naturally free-roaming animals and that the judgment could lead to restrictions on pets nationwide. Social media users have dubbed the case “France’s most controversial cat ruling,” sparking a broader debate over animal rights and neighbourly disputes.

Video: AFP