Would you let them go?

[Freedom]

I agree with Karen. The crucial thing in your description is the pain the pet is in.

[lute]

We can't put the cat down without the owner's consent.

[Catlady711]

If it has lots of maggots, chances are the cat will never recover, aside from it's other problems that are obviously not being treated and can be life threatening. As much as I love cats I'd have no hesitation to have the cat PTS.

Seeing as you are under the restriction of owner consent, I'd be tempted to contact the animal control or humane society or even the police in help with an obvious case of animal neglect to get permission to have the poor kitty put out of it's misery. Document photographs, emails and whatnot in case it ever goes to court for them being prosecuted for animal neglect. Good luck with ending the poory kitty's suffering.

[moosmom]

I'd make that poor cat go poof and take it to any vet saying it was my cat and wanted to have him put out of his misery. Lie?? Hell yeah if it came down to helping a defenseless cat in pain.