A couple is facing an angry response from their neighbors because they’ve built a large safe haven for their domestic cats in front of their house.
53-year-old Sue Haworth and 51-year-old Richard Haworth from West Yorkshire, UK, are cat lovers who didn’t hesitate to spend nearly $15,000 on building a large enclosure for their cats to play in.
Despite building the structure on their land, however, they are facing a backlash by their neighbors and might be forced to break it down.
The cat enclosure was designed to serve as a playground for the couple’s four cats and features a cat flap as well as several frames and ramps for the cats to explore.
Following the successful implementation of their project, Sue and Richard were confronted by a much tougher obstacle – their grumpy neighbors.
According to those who complained to the council about the cat safe haven, the structure doesn’t fit in their local area and causes a blind spot for motorists by blocking a nearby road.
After several complaints were received, the Kirklees Council ordered Sue and Richard to remove the structure or request a retrospective planning permission.
Since their request was denied, however, the couple’s last hope is to appeal the decision.
“The cage is designed as a place for our cats to play in safely,” Sue, a retired police officer, said.
“It keeps them away from the road. And there are a couple of bully cats in the area that my cats wouldn’t be able to defend themselves against.
“We didn’t do it on the cheap. We paid over the odds for our house so that we could do what we’ve done without affecting anybody else.
“We don’t want to upset anyone, we just want to live a quiet life and for our cats to be happy. They really love the space, there are lots of things for them to play with.
“Most of our neighbors think the cage is a great idea, there are just a few who have a problem with it. We are willing to work with the council to find a resolution but they don’t want to listen.”
Speaking of the controversial structure, one angry neighbor said:
“Both I and my husband feel that the cat cage is an eyesore and somewhat devalues other houses in the terrace.”
Another one, however, defended the cat cage and claimed:
“I am their neighbor 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.”
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