Neighbor Accused of Taking Family’s Cat Nearly 100 Miles Away—

Apparently Moving Herself Was Too Much Trouble

An Austin TX neighborhood dispute has escalated well beyond dirty looks over the fence. A family says their neighbor took their beloved cat and transported him nearly 100 miles away.

Alyssa and Patrick Duffy’s tabby, Max, disappeared September 16. Security footage showed him approaching neighbor Holly Baker. The couple says Baker subsequently admitted taking him to her father’s farm in rural Gillespie County.

Apparently, the neighborhood suggestion box now includes involuntary relocation.

Baker’s attorney, Scot Courtney, disputes the family’s portrayal. He says the roaming cat repeatedly entered Baker’s property, behaved aggressively and injured her pet, resulting in approximately $500 in veterinary expenses. Courtney declined to provide KXAN a receipt and did not address the alleged removal because of the investigation.

Alyssa acknowledged a confrontation between the cats and offered to cover veterinary costs. The Duffys also supplied veterinary and insurance records establishing Max as their pet.

Which would seem to distinguish him from an abandoned lawn chair available for collection.

KXAN reported that court records showed Baker facing a misdemeanor animal-cruelty charge, with an initial appearance scheduled for November 2. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Neighbors have rallied behind the family with signs demanding Max’s return. In the October 24 report, his whereabouts remained unknown.

For all the neighborhood drama and legal maneuvering, the family’s request remains remarkably uncomplicated: bring their cat home.