A family is demanding answers from Amazon after a delivery driver allegedly took their elderly tabby cat from their driveway during a routine package drop-off.
Sidney, a 16-year-old feline, vanished from outside the home of Marsha Reeves in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 20.
The incident, which occurred as the female driver completed her delivery, was captured on a neighbour's doorbell camera.
"If you look closely, you can see her get out of her van and pick him up," Ms Reeves told Fox 4 Kansas City.
The tabby had been part of Ms Reeves's life since he was a kitten, but his health had deteriorated significantly in recent months.
Ms Reeves described herself as Sidney's "momma and hospice provider, administering specialist medication and a carefully controlled diet to keep him comfortable."
"His health and body were failing him," she explained. "I knew his time was near, and I just wanted him to be comfortable and at home when it came."
The ageing cat was known for his sociable nature, often lounging on the family's deck. "He was very much a people cat," Ms Reeves said.
Marsha Reeves has accused the Amazon driver of stealing the cat
|FACEBOOK/MARSHA REEVES
The footage from a neighbouring property, though somewhat unclear, revealed the sequence of events that led to Sidney's disappearance.
Security cameras showed the cat resting in the driveway as the Amazon worker arrived to deliver a parcel.
In the subsequent frame captured by Ms Reeves's own camera, the driver had left and Sidney was no longer visible in the driveway.
The neighbour's recording provided crucial evidence, appearing to show the woman lifting the cat before returning to her vehicle.
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Amazon said they are looking into the incident (file pic)
|GETTY
Ms Reeves contacted Amazon immediately and filed a report with Kansas City Police Department.
The family's search for Sidney uncovered a distressing trail through multiple facilities across the Kansas City area.
She discovered the driver had taken the cat to Grandview Animal Hospital the day following his disappearance.
"We called all of the animal hospitals within a 10-mile radius and found out that this girl had taken him to Grandview Animal Hospital on Tuesday, the day after she catnapped him," she said.
Staff there felt unable to assist and directed the woman to Wayside Waifs shelter, then to Belton Animal Control, before Sidney ultimately arrived at KC Pet Project.
The Amazon Prime van allegedly took Sidney to the Grandview Animal Hospital the day following his disappearance
|FACEBOOK/MARSHA REEVES
Veterinary staff at KC Pet Project determined the frail cat was too unwell and made the decision to euthanise him before the family could locate him.
The family has been left heartbroken by the circumstances of Sidney's final moments.
Ms Reeves expressed her anguish at being denied the chance to comfort her pet during his last hours.
"I cannot even imagine what he was thinking," she said. "He did not deserve to die on a metal table with strangers poking him; he should have been at home in my arms when he took his last breath."
The family has arranged for Sidney's remains to be cremated so he can finally return home. Ms Reeves is now seeking accountability from both the retail giant and its employee.
"She needs to come with a supervisor and face me and my family members who this has affected," she demanded.
"I think Amazon needs to be held accountable. I think this young woman needs to be held accountable. She needs to realise that there are consequences to her decision making."
GB News has contacted Amazon for a comment.