Winnipeg man charged after allegedly holding neighbour’s lost cat for ransom

A missing cat investigation in Winnipeg took an unusual turn after police say a neighbour admitted to having the animal and demanding money for its return.

According to Winnipeg police, a 44-year-old woman reported that her cat had disappeared from her home in the 200 block of Manitoba Avenue on July 14.

The woman told officers she suspected a neighbour may have been involved in the animal’s disappearance.

Police said the neighbour later admitted to the woman that he had the cat. He then allegedly delivered a letter demanding payment in exchange for returning the animal.

The woman provided the information to police, who attended the neighbour’s residence on Thursday.

Officers located the cat inside the home. Police said the animal was unharmed and was safely returned to its owner.

A 72-year-old man has since been charged with extortion and theft under $5,000.

He was released on an undertaking and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

This is one of the stories covered in this week’s Keep Canada Weird news roundup podcast.