BOSTON, Ma. – Bizarre but true, a cat has been summoned to jury duty by Suffolk Superior Crown Court in Boston, Ma, after being listed as a “member of the family” on the last census. Upon receiving the notification, bemused owners, Anna and Guy Esposito, wrote to the court to explain that a mistake had been made – Tabby Sal is a cat.
The Esposito’s included a letter from their vet confirming that the cat was a “domestic short-haired neutered feline” and further explained that “Sal is a member of the family so I listed him on the last Census form under pets but there has clearly been a mix-up”.
The letter went on to say that Tabby Sal, was “unable to speak and understand English”.
A jury commissioner replied saying that the feline “must attend” on March 23. A website for the US judicial system states that jurors are “not expected to speak perfect English”.
Taking the response in stride, Anna said, “When they ask him guilty or not guilty? What’s he supposed to say – meow?” Anna’s husband, Guy, said,
”’Sal, what’s this?’ I was shocked. He likes to sit on my knee and watch crime shows with me but even so he’s still under-qualified for jury duty if you ask me.”
