Former Private Tony Wittman pleads guilty to storming Melbourne animal shelter in search of lost cat

A former Australian soldier has pleaded guilty to storming an animal shelter and keeping a woman captive for her missing cat.

Tony Wittman, 45, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today via video link from Ravenhall Correctional Center and has admitted responsibility for the bizarre incident that occurred earlier this year at the Lost Dogs ‘Home of Cranbourne West.

It comes after his lawyers managed to strike a deal with prosecutors to withdraw 16 charges.

Langwarrin’s father-of-three will now have his case referred to Victoria County Court on eight counts, including forcible confinement, aggravated burglary, criminal damage, perjury and carrying a fake firearm .

In January of this year, Wittman called the Lost Dogs’ Home about 10 minutes before closing in search of his missing cat.

A member of staff told him that they had found the feline, but that he would have to make an appointment to pick up the cat the next morning.

But later that night, Wittman took matters into his own hands.

At around 10:20 p.m., the former soldier forcibly entered the shelter grounds while wearing military-style SWAT clothing and carrying a fake firearm, court documents show.

He then confronted a young ranger in the parking lot and told him, “If you do as I say and listen to me, I won’t shoot you.

The court had previously heard the woman begging Wittman not to hurt her, telling her that she was the mother of a young child, to whom he said, “Don’t try anything or I’ll shoot you.”

The couple then entered the shelter where Wittman questioned them about the whereabouts of the cats.

He then told the woman to kneel down and put her hands behind her back, before tying her up and saying, “I’m going to close that door, if I see you, I shoot you.”

A soldier “relied on a cat for his support”

The entire incident was filmed by the shelter’s security cameras.

Wittman then fled before the woman called her boss who alerted authorities.

In another twist, Wittman returned to the shelter less than 12 hours later to meet his appointment and pick up his cat.

He made a full confession to police in an interview later the same day, telling investigators he “loves his cat and relies on his cat for support.”

Wittman also told police he was suffering from PTSD from military service and “felt like he needed the cat back and acted without thinking about the consequences.”

He will return to county court in February next year and has not applied for bail.