A regional council has issued a formal apology following the wrongful euthanasia of a cherished family pet mistakenly identified as feral.Barunga West Council's Chief Executive described the South Australian incident as profoundly regrettable,acknowledging it caused"significant distress"to the police officer owner and family,with compensation now pledged.

The Bengal cat,Patrick,was trapped during Port Broughton's feral cat control operation in early July.Despite being scanned at a veterinary clinic,council officials reported no detectable microchip identification,leading to the animal's euthanasia.CEO Maree Wauchope later confirmed Patrick was indeed microchipped and properly registered:"This beautiful,friendly cat's owners followed all correct procedures,"she stated.

Wauchope detailed the family's immediate response:"Patrick disappeared the night before capture.By next morning,the owner alerted neighbors door-to-door,posted on social media,and urgently contacted our office."Tragically,she noted,"When staff responded to the owner's call,the vet rescanned euthanized cats and located Patrick's chip."

The CEO,who was on extended medical leave during the incident,emphasized:"While unclear how this error occurred,we accept full responsibility.We've apologized formally and implemented systemic changes to prevent recurrence."Council meeting minutes confirm both apology and institutional accountability:"We recognize the profound distress caused and have learned critical lessons."

Policy reforms include:

Reinstating proactive rehoming protocols for trapped cats

Ending outsourced compliance services

Returning cat management to council oversight"We've reversed the externalized approach adopted during my absence,"Wauchope explained.

Compensation totaling approximately$4,000 covers:

Replacement value of the pedigree animal

$300 symbolic payment for emotional trauma The owner has reportedly donated the latter amount to pet welfare charities.