A 79-year-old former human rights lawyer has launched legal action against the Metropolitan Police and the RSPCA, alleging officers used excessive force while removing her disabled cat during an animal welfare intervention. Days later, the cat died while in the charity's care, transforming what began as a animal welfare investigation into a complex legal dispute. The RSPCA, however, says it acted after veterinary professionals raised serious concerns about Rita's welfare. Rita Died Before Ownership HearingThe legal dispute took an unexpected turn before magistrates were due to determine ownership of the cat. Rita died while in RSPCA care only days before that hearing was scheduled to take place.