Offer could be lifesaver for Lewis the ferocious feline

Published on 20/06/2006 02:23

A VICIOUS pet, facing the death penalty after causing a real ding-dong when he attacked an Avon lady, has been offered a surprise reprieve.

An animal sanctuary is now offering a safe haven to Lewis the cat, whose attacks have landed his owner in court.

Neighbours in Fairfield, Connecticut, say they have been terrorised by Lewis, claiming that the cat has used his long claws and stealth to attack at least half a dozen people, including the cosmetics representative.

The Best Friends Animal Society of Kanab, Utah, which claims to be the USA's largest 'no-kill' animal sanctuary, has now offered to take Lewis, who is grey and white, free of charge in an attempt to save him from being put down.

"He would be cared for by specialists who know how to handle cats with behaviour problems," Russ Mead, the Best Friends' counsel, told the Superior Court.

Judge Patrick Carroll is expected to decide Lewis's fate today, when the cat's owner, Ruth Cisero, returns to court to hear his ruling.

Ms Cisero, who was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, earlier refused another judge's offer of special probation because it carried the condition that Lewis be put to sleep.

Her lawyer, Eugene Riccio, has described the pet as a member of her family.