Couple’s fight to save pet ‘Catio’

8,500 SIGN PETITION BACKING GARDEN CAT CAGE

A COUPLE who built a huge cat cage in their front garden have been backed – by more than 8,500 people.

Sue Haworth, 53, and husband Richard, 51, spent £10,000 on the 9ft-high cage in the garden of their home at Ottiwells Terrace in Marsden so their four “fur babies” had a safe space to play.

The 13ft by 11.5ft cage is accessed through a catflap and features a number of ramps and frames which enables the pets to climb to the top.

But neighbours have described the structure – dubbed the ‘Catio’ – as an eyesore and complained to Kirklees council.

The Examiner reported earlier this month how the council’s planners ruled the cage breaches regulations and declined to give it retrospective planning permission.

The decision came after a number of neighbours branded it an eyesore and made representations against the application.

One person said: “It can be seen from a distance and is an extremely dark and ugly object.”

Another added: “The construction is completely out of character with the whole terrace.”

Someone else said: “Both I and my husband feel that the cat cage is an eyesore and somewhat devalues other houses in the terrace.”

Residents opposing the cage set up a petition, which has been signed by more than 20 people.

Sue, a former police officer, and Richard set up a petition of their own in opposition, which has received more 8,500 signatures. They have also been backed by American cat whisperer Jackson Galaxy.

The petition says: “A couple in Marsden have built a “catio” which helps keep cats safe and protected, neighbours on their street have signed a petition to have it removed as it is known as a eyesore or a blindspot to motorists.

“Majority of people believe that this is a lovely thing and gesture so we aim to help them keep it.”

One resident on the road, Maggie Oddy, said: “I am their neighbour and fully support them. It is not an eyesore and was built from the desire to keep their rescue cats safe. “It’s responsible pet ownership.” The couple say they are willing to work with the council to find a solution by either making the cage smaller or painting it a different colour.

A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “The council investigated the matter and found a cat cage had been erected in the front garden of the property, requiring planning permission.

“The owners did apply for planning permission which members of the Huddersfield Sub Planning Committee refused. However, the owners do have the right of appeal to the planning inspector.”