he could've. the original cat owner abrogated his duty toward his cat and his neighbor and thus also gave up the right, within reason, to argue about how to correct said behavior.  if a teacher fails to adequately teach a student he no longer has any right to dictate how that student should be taught. same for cops. same for politicians. same for anybody in any position of responsibility that fails to a great degree to uphold that responsibility.  basically: cat owner sucked at being responsible and solving the issue. he no longer gets to bitch about what happens to the cat (within reason). catching the cat and taking it away is a justifiable reaction. bit much? maybe. did the guy being wronged have the right? absolutely.
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