TORRANCE, Calif. — During an arraignment and plea hearing Monday at the Torrance Courthouse, a judge declined to grant an exception to a driving restriction that would have allowed an accused man to transport his cat for veterinary care if the animal became ill.
The accused appeared before Judge Mellington in a case involving an alleged violation of Torrance Municipal Code Section 35.14.010(a), an ordinance concerning animal welfare.
During the hearing, Judge Mellington outlined the accused’s rights and obligations, including a restriction prohibiting him from operating a vehicle with an animal present.
Deputy Public Defender Hernandez requested an exception to the restriction to allow the accused to transport his cat to a veterinary hospital if necessary.
“We agree with your honor, but we request that if the cat has to be in veterinary care, the accused should be allowed to drive his pet to a local animal hospital if necessary,” Hernandez said.
After learning that the animal was a cat, Judge Mellington questioned the request.
“Wait, we are talking about a cat? Seriously?” Mellington asked.
The judge declined to authorize an exception allowing the accused to drive his cat to a veterinary hospital.
“He does not have any reason to bring a cat in the car; he can leave it at home,” Mellington said.
The accused told the court that he lived alone and had no family nearby who could help transport the cat if it became ill.
He expressed concern that the restriction could prevent him from obtaining veterinary care for the animal in an emergency.
Despite those concerns, Judge Mellington maintained the restriction and directed the accused to participate in a 12-month diversion program.
The judge also required the accused to complete 12 hours of community service at a local animal shelter and enroll in an animal cruelty education program.
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