Cat-astrophe: Woman apologises over bin 'error'

A WOMAN who was caught on CCTV dumping a cat in a wheelie bin has said she was "profoundly sorry" for what she described as "a split second of misjudgment".

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Aug 2010, 10:21 BST

Updated 26th Aug 2010, 19:55 BST

Footage of Mary Bale throwing four-year-old tabby Lola into a bin sparked an angry online campaign – with some animal lovers calling for her death on social networking site Facebook – and an RSCPA investigation.

Yesterday in a statement, Ms Bale, 45, said: "I want to take this opportunity to apologise profusely for the upset and distress that my actions have caused.

"I cannot explain why I did this, it is completely out of character and I certainly did not intend to cause any distress to Lola or her owners."

The bank worker, from Coventry, added: "It was a split second of misjudgment that has got completely out of control.

"I am due to meet with the RSPCA and police to discuss this matter further and will co-operate fully with their investigations.

"I wish to reiterate that I am profoundly sorry for my actions and wish to resolve this matter to everyone's satisfaction as soon as possible," she said.