What would you do to save your cat? For one man in Edina, Minnesota, nothing would stop him from getting his 18-year-old cat, Mr. Fluffles, emergency help one night (see video below).
According to the story posted by MN CRIME, Timothy Butler fled police, and a dramatic chase ensued. Because nothing would stop him from getting to an emergency vet asap.
When Butler refused to pull over, the police attempted a PIT maneuver (Precision Immobilization Technique), causing the car to slide and spin against the curb. Undeterred, the driver somehow managed to keep going, glaring at the officer through the window. The chase continued for about a mile, and Butler kept going despite another PIT attempt to stop his car!
Butler glares at the police after a PIT maneuver, images via YouTube
Pulling up to the vet’s office, Butler parked in front and jumped out of the car with a crate holding the cat.
When his car started to roll, he got back in momentarily and then jumped back out. He desperately headed for the door, ignoring the officer’s shouts to stop. As the officer ran to apprehend him, he made a final dash for it.
What Happened to Mr. Fluffles?
So close, but so far away; Butler didn’t get inside the emergency vet. Instead, the officer tased him, and he went to the ground. Immobilized and stunned, Butler still pleaded with a group of officers surrounding him to help his cat.
According to the story, an vet employee took Mr. Fluffles inside while Butler was arrested and read his rights. Thankfully, the story states that “Mr. Fluffles received successful treatment for his spasms.”
Cat Emergency!
Once Mr. Fluffles was safely in the vet’s office, Butler had time to explain himself. He had a full-blown “cat emergency,” and had no choice but to get the emergency vet after he found another vet’s office closed, he said.
According to Butler’s statement, he apologized but was panicked, his thoughts “clouded by his urgent need to get his cat to the vet.” That’s why he refused to stop, although he was aware of the officers chasing him.
Following the incident, the cat dad, who had no previous criminal history, faced charges of criminal reckless driving. He faced 90 days in a county workhouse, but ultimately, his sentence was stayed. After paying a $375 fine, he also had to pay for repairing his vehicle’s damages.
What Would You Do for Your Cat or Pet?
Humorously, the story concluded, “To this day, cat emergencies are NOT real law.” Butler’s high-speed chase had topped over 80 mph at one point, putting other drivers at risk to help Mr. Fluffles. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured.
Nevertheless, many on social media commented in support of the cat dad’s actions.
“The guy’s a true hero. He could have driven in a safer manner and used his hazards. It was nice to see the courts take it easy on him because they understood the situation,” said one person.
So, what lengths would you go to in order to save your pet? Was a police chase over a mile justifiable to get Mr. Fluffles to the emergency vet? Well, we can say for sure this cat dad truly loves his senior cat, that’s for sure!
Video by MN CRIME:
