Cat lovers in the UK have the chance to have our say on the following ten proposals that the Cats Protection charity are putting forward to improve life for the approximately eight million domestic cats in our country. Not only would these proposals becoming law help pet cats, but also stray cats and feral cats too.
They are:
1. Updating the law to control the breeding and sale of cats to reduce the number of unwanted kittens.
2. Making it compulsory to microchip owned cats.
3. Creating a national database to ensure that a central record is kept of all cats entering the UK legally so those entering illegally without a rabies vaccine can be identified without delay.
4. Updating the Dangerous Dogs Act to allow prosecution of dog owners whose dogs attack, injure or kill cats.
5. Inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum so all children learn about responsible pet care.
6. Government recognition of the needs of people with cats or other companion animals in rented housing and care homes to allow people to keep their pets.
7. Government recognition of the benefits which cats and other health and personal wellbeing when an individual’s care needs are assessed.
8. Clear labelling of flowers, plants and household products that are toxic to cats so cat owners know which to avoid.
9. An outright ban on the use of snares on the basis they are inhumane and cruel and inflict suffering, injury or death on animals caught in them (which includes cats).
10. Much stricter regulation on the ownership of air guns and crossbows to prevent injury or death to cats shot by such weapons.
I think all these proposals are very important, but I wish they had included making it law that anyone injuring or killing a cat in a road accident should be forced to report it, the same as if a dog is injured or killed!
Why are cats still classed along with wild animals when they have long been domesticated now?
If microchipping ‘owned’ cats becomes compulsory then surely they are as much ‘owned’ as dogs are and should have equal rights. Although I hate the word owner, a person who adopts a cat becomes by law the owner of that cat.
But all in all this is another step in the right direction to give cats more rights and this pleases those of us who love cats and want more protection for them.
I just hope the government take these proposals seriously.
it sounds ok in theory but i guess will have to make sure it works out properly.
Marion our CP co-ordinator has often lamented that CP has no power, it would be good if they did and local branches could help enforce the compulsory neutering at least, of neglected cats.