Things were getting a bit ‘catty’ in Scotland this week after a report surfaced encouraging the Scottish government to establish containment zones for cats and even an outright ban.
The recommendations were put forward by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission which claims cats kill millions of birds and other animals every year in the United Kingdom. They wanted the government to enforce containment zones, which really made the fur fly amongst cat owners who felt it was an outright ban on cats. The organization also wanted owners to ensure cats remained indoors at all times, particularly in new housing developments.
Once residents and the Scottish government realized the organization was serious and not fe’lyin’ the First Minister was forced to issue a statement saying they’d look at the recommendations but currently has no intention of a cat ban.
Cats, especially stray cats, have been under the microscope for some time now regarding their impact on biodiversity. According to stats from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, cats kill 100 to 350 million birds a year in Canada along with other small animals, amphibians, and reptiles. Their stats also indicate there are as many as 4.2 million stray cats throughout our country which has led to concerns about wildlife numbers and the spread of toxoplasmosis, a parasite found in the feces of cats.
Back in Scotland, it’s estimated that a quarter of households own a cat and experts feel they are important for those who live alone or need comfort when battling health issues.
Just to quell any conspiracy theories, the Scottish commission that recommended the cat restriction is an organization made up of humans and not Scottish Terrier dogs!
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