A devastated cat owner has expressed outrage after her beloved pet was stolen from her neighbour's garden and later found dead, with police declining to pursue charges. Naseem Aktar, 51, from Bury, Greater Manchester, reported that her 16-year-old tabby cat Lola was taken on May 25, the bank holiday Monday, which was also the second hottest May day on record.
Heartbreaking CCTV Footage
Ring doorbell footage captured the moment a man and woman lured Lola from the front drive of a neighbour's property near Market Street. The 30-second clip shows Lola jumping onto a low brick wall before the couple approach, pet her, and then carry her away. Naseem described Lola as a non-vocal, affectionate cat who rarely ventured beyond the back garden or neighbour's boundary wall.
Tragic Discovery
Three days after the theft, on May 28, Naseem received a call informing her that Lola had been found dead under a car outside a primary school, just a few hundred metres from home. A vet determined that Lola died from dehydration, with no visible wounds. Naseem believes the intense heat contributed to her death as the cat tried to find her way back.
Police Inaction
Naseem contacted Greater Manchester Police but was told they would not charge the couple due to a lack of relevant laws. Officers cited insufficient evidence, closing the case. Naseem slammed the decision, stating that possible charges could have included theft, criminal damage, or animal welfare offences. She accused the police of showing no sympathy and discarding her case.
Family's Grief
Lola was buried in the back garden surrounded by roses and flowers. Naseem, a mother of three, said: 'Lola was like a child to us. She was cruelly taken from her home and left to die. I couldn't save Lola, but hopefully by sharing this story, we might save others.' She urged the public to be vigilant and called for stronger animal protection laws.
Police Statement
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: 'All lines of enquiry were exhausted and the crime has been closed due to insufficient evidence. The person that reported this will have also been given this update via officers who attended.' The Mirror has contacted GMP for further comment on Naseem's criticism.
