The problem is that it's not a bucket truck. It's a lift basket used for pole construction work. The boom and basket are not insulated at all. He broke the rules regarding working above power, regardless of the voltage. Had there been a mishap, the entire vehicle could have become energized and a passerby could have been shocked or electrocuted. He also doesn't appear to have the proper PPE for working above power. Rules are rules and he broke them. Verizon could (and probably will be) fined by OSHA for this blatant safety violation. He's clearly not trained for this situation. He's lucky he didn't get fired in my opinion. There were other things he could have done for the cat, specifically calling animal control or even the power utility.

Ed Vaughn, MBSWWYPBX