Heart-wrenching video footage has captured the moment a cat was boldly taken from outside its home by a couple, only to be found lifeless three days later. The incident, recorded by a Ring doorbell camera at Naseem Aktar’s residence, depicts a man and a woman enticing Lola, an elderly Tabby cat, from a neighbor’s front drive near Market Street in Bury, Greater Manchester. Naseem, a sales executive, tirelessly searched for her beloved 16-year-old feline after she was snatched on the May 25 bank holiday, which coincidentally marked the second hottest day on record for May.
Tragically, Lola’s lifeless body was discovered under a car just a short distance from her home three days later. The distressing footage showed the couple carrying Lola away from Naseem’s address, leading to the heartbreaking outcome. The brief 30-second clip captured Lola wandering within the neighbor’s property, enclosed by a low brick wall. Subsequently, it showed the couple approaching Lola, who was perched on the wall, and then taking her away.
Upon receiving the devastating news on May 28 that Lola had been found deceased under a car near a primary school, Naseem rushed her to the vets, who determined that Lola had succumbed to dehydration. Despite reporting the incident to the police, Naseem expressed her frustration as authorities mentioned the absence of relevant legislation to prosecute the individuals responsible for the theft. She criticized the police for their lack of empathy and accused them of neglecting her case.
Describing Lola as a cherished family member, Naseem emphasized the heartbreak of witnessing Lola’s struggle in the video. She stressed the need to prevent similar incidents from happening and expressed her disappointment in the police’s inaction. Naseem and her family canvassed neighbors for surveillance footage to trace Lola’s movements, ultimately leading them to an address on Surrey Drive, over half a mile away from their residence.
Lola, primarily an indoor cat, was known for her affectionate nature. The pink collar she wore indicated that she was not a stray. Vets deduced that Lola perished from dehydration while attempting to find her way back home due to the scorching weather. She was laid to rest in the family’s back garden on May 28, surrounded by roses and flowers, symbolizing the cruelty of her untimely demise on the sweltering bank holiday.
Despite identifying potential legal avenues such as theft, the Criminal Damage Act, and the Animal Welfare Act, Naseem lamented the police’s decision not to pursue charges against the couple. She expressed her disgust at the authorities’ handling of the case and urged for justice for Lola. Greater Manchester Police stated that the investigation into the alleged cat theft was closed due to insufficient evidence, a response that drew criticism from Naseem. The Mirror has reached out to Greater Manchester Police for further comment on Naseem’s concerns.