Catfight!: Ga. woman, 86, charged with cat theft

[October 14, 2009]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- The claws are coming out in court case over a Georgia cat. 86-year-old Fauniel Kliemt has been charged with stealing a long-haired cat she said was a stray. Kliemt pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of theft of lost or mislaid property. The case began in 2007 ago when a neighbor gave her the cat.

She had cared for the cat for about eight months when another neighbor, Kimberly Otey, approached her and said the cat belonged to her family.

A verbal fight ensued and police were called. Kliemt was charged with theft but was allowed to keep the cat and as long as she made court appearances.

The case is still pending and Kliemt said she has spent more than $6,000 in lawyer fees.

Otey said the cat, which was bought for her 4-year-old daughter, was feared dead.

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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com/

[Associated Press]

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