Scottish Ministers Weigh Controversial Cat Ban and Curfew to Protect Wildlife

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Scottish ministers are reportedly considering drastic measures to regulate cat ownership after an advisory body claimed that domestic felines pose a significant threat to local wildlife. The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has put forward proposals that could see bans on cat ownership in certain areas, restrictions on their outdoor movements, and even a requirement for owners to keep their pets on leashes in designated zones.  

 

 

Drawing inspiration from Australia, where some housing developments prohibit residents from owning cats, the SAWC report suggests similar restrictions could be implemented in Scotland. One option explored in the report is the establishment of "cat containment areas" to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on birds and small mammals. The document, published on January 27, highlights that Scotland is home to approximately 800,000 domestic cats, all of which have "a huge potential impact… on wild animals, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians."  

 

It further states, "In the UK, it has been estimated that 57 million mammals, 27 million birds, and five million reptiles and amphibians are brought home to pet owners each year by their cats, even though only 50-80% of free-ranging cats actually hunt." To address this issue, one proposal under consideration is a regulation preventing cat ownership in newly developed rural housing areas where wildlife is particularly vulnerable to predation.  

 

The report, titled *Responsible Ownership and Care of Domestic Cats in Scotland*, underscores the potential ecological impact of free-roaming cats, noting that they can disrupt wildlife populations through both predation and competition for resources. It also points out that other countries have already adopted stringent cat containment policies, either year-round or seasonally, to curb these effects. However, it acknowledges the potential negative effects of restricting cats to indoor environments, stating, "This approach requires investment from owners in ensuring good cat welfare and allowing behavioural opportunities for hunting, exploring, exercise, and mental stimulation."  

 

The proposals have sparked strong opposition from animal welfare groups, with the charity Cats Protection voicing concerns over the potential harm to feline well-being. Spokesperson Alice Palombo told the *Mail on Sunday*, "Scotland is a nation of cat lovers. They are great pets, whether it's providing companionship for elderly people or those living alone, comfort for people with health conditions, or helping children learn important lessons about caring for animals. We believe everyone who is able to care for a cat should be able to enjoy these benefits.

 

Cats need to be able to perform natural cat-like behaviours if they're to live happy, healthy lives. These needs, like scratching and climbing, are more easily met in the outside world, where they can also enjoy the stimulation that comes with new smells, sights, and sounds."  

 

Palombo also dismissed the idea of requiring cats to be kept on leads, arguing that a harness would be "stressful" for the animals.  

 

In response to the report, a Scottish Government spokesperson stated, "We recommend that all cat owners should consider microchipping their pets, and ensuring the information held on them is kept up to date, as the best way of being reunited should they become lost or separated. We will fully consider the recommendations of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission."  

 

The potential new regulations have ignited a heated debate, with concerns over striking a balance between wildlife conservation and animal welfare. As the Scottish Government reviews the recommendations, cat owners across the country are left wondering how these proposals, if implemented, might reshape the future of feline ownership in Scotland.

 

Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-04

 

 

[Geoffggi]

Excellent idea 👍👍👍

[digger70]

11 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

Excellent idea 👍👍👍

Need something like that Here in Los for  Cats &  Especially for dogs.

[Ben Zioner]

Vile wonkers...

[Classic Ray]

Quite ironic that the popularity of cats (and dogs) as domestic pets was based in part on their ability to control rodent pest populations like rats and mice. Bringing home a few sparrows and lizards was just seen as bycatch.
 

Somehow that is not now seen as a relevant reason to keep them, mad.

[Thingamabob]

Given the sad sight of maimed and slowly dying birds underneath them I suggest wind farms should also be banned. At least, when a cat catches a bird, the bird's pain is relatively short-lived.

[fredwiggy]

The only way to avoid any problems regarding any species is keeping their numbers at a reasonable level, meaning no over population. This means spay and neuter unless you want more kittens, which most don't anyway. Cats are born killers, and they will kill even if well fed, and especially more so if left to roam unfed. In the house they are good for keeping vermin and insects down, but this means a cat littler box, which has problems. A cat does not belong on a leash, along with most dogs. If you have a yard that can contain them, that's good, but containing a cat is almost impossible. Spay and neuter is the only way, as more cats means more dead animals.

[JonnyF]

I can't stand cats, but this is absolutely ridiculous.

 

What is it about governments that they feel they can control every aspect of our lives? Cats on leashes? 😄

 

Next they'll be complaining that the rat, mouse, pigeon etc. populations have exploded. 

[Yagoda]

AS to the USA, Pet cats in cities and suburbs are best left indoors. IMHO, a cat outdoors in those areas is abusive to the animal. Many subdivisions and HOAs in the states ban outdoor cats, not just for the protection of wildlife, but for the protection of the cats themselves who are nothing more than coyote snacks in most areas. And if you think about it, there are about 2 coyotes per square mile in the East, they breed fast, and in many areas, they are hard to shoot or even unhuntable due to law.

 

In rural areas, I have no problem with barn cats, with the same caveat of coyote, bear, cougar, owl, eagle, hawk, fox, snake, bobcat, gator and wolf predation. Personally, I would not let a cat out in any area, especially in a rural area.

 

There is no accounting for the differences in the way folks treat animals. I beleive the ethical way to treat cats in the English speaking world is to have them spayed or neutered, not let them roam.

 

I also think the hunting skills of cats are way overrated, and their effect on wildlife minimal. Even feral clowders leach food off humans.

[Chomper Higgot]

I recall dead cats, and crows, being hung on farm gates, left there by farmers and game keepers who would shoot them as vermin.

 

There is no arguing cats are a treat to wildlife.

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Sense has prevailed, the feline hunters are free!! #nocatbans lol

 

"We have absolutely no intention of banning cats. There's no way that's going to happen," he told BBC Scotland.

Pressed on whether the Scottish government might consider a curfew for cats, he said: "I'm giving you a very clear statement - we're not going to do that."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m1g8p4yy0o

[fredwiggy]

24 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

AS to the USA, Pet cats in cities and suburbs are best left indoors. IMHO, a cat outdoors in those areas is abusive to the animal. Many subdivisions and HOAs in the states ban outdoor cats, not just for the protection of wildlife, but for the protection of the cats themselves who are nothing more than coyote snacks in most areas. And if you think about it, there are about 2 coyotes per square mile in the East, they breed fast, and in many areas, they are hard to shoot or even unhuntable due to law.

 

In rural areas, I have no problem with barn cats, with the same caveat of coyote, bear, cougar, owl, eagle, hawk, fox, snake, bobcat, gator and wolf predation. Personally, I would not let a cat out in any area, especially in a rural area.

 

There is no accounting for the differences in the way folks treat animals. I beleive the ethical way to treat cats in the English speaking world is to have them spayed or neutered, not let them roam.

 

I also think the hunting skills of cats are way overrated, and their effect on wildlife minimal. Even feral clowders leach food off humans.

Much is true but having cats all of my life I've seen their hunting skills firsthand, along with other cats I didn't own. They are born killers, just like tigers, lions, cheetahs and leopards. They eat meat manly, so if they're outside, that's what they'll look for. A handout from humans is always accepted but they still will kill just for fun. I've seen my own cats jump straight up in the air to bring down a bird flying above, and kill it, although this was an inside/outside cat that was well cared for and fed daily. A tiger, lion or leopard, along with the others, kill daily to survive, and turn to humans if they're hurt, and they will hunt humans and kill them until they are themselves killed.

 

When I lived in Texas in a subdivision out in the country (until recently, as the city moved next to it), coyotes used to come into the subdivision (I watched them while hunting next to it), to look for food. A lady heard her poodle yelp, then disappear one day, as it was taken by a coyote. If you can keep cats inside it's always best, as they'll take a huge toll on birds, along with the vermin which in itself is a good thing. My cats in Texas went outside and I saw what they were capable of doing, although they spent most of the time indoors.

[JonnyF]

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I recall dead cats, and crows, being hung on farm gates, left there by farmers and game keepers who would shoot them as vermin.

 

Don't ever recall targeting cats when shooting on my Uncle's farm. Foxes, rabbits, birds, yes. But cats? Don't even remember seeing a cat while in the fields. The only cats around were the ones at the farmhouse, kept to control vermin. 

 

6 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

There is no arguing cats are a treat to wildlife.

 

 

 

 

A treat? Like a trip to the movies or a tin of quality street?

 

They are part of the food chain. They kill rodents and are killed by larger predators. Just as it should be. No need for leftists to get involved with mandatory leashes or bans. 

[Yagoda]

11 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I recall dead cats, and crows, being hung on farm gates, left there by farmers and game keepers who would shoot them as vermin.

 

There is no arguing cats are a treat to wildlife.

 

 

 

A treat indeed. Very tasty to the numerous predators we have in the states. Watch how outdoor cats look to the sky. Well at least in the USA where flying death machines are quite common.

 

I saw an Bald Eagle grab a cat once, quite impressive.

 

BTW, feral cats can be shot as vermin. Some humans are vermin too.

[Grumpy one]

The Scots need to protect the wee baby haggises somehow 

[Yagoda]

7 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Much is true but having cats all of my life I've seen their hunting skills firsthand, along with other cats I didn't own. They are born killers, just like tigers, lions, cheetahs and leopards. They eat meat manly, so if they're outside, that's what they'll look for. A handout from humans is always accepted but they still will kill just for fun. I've seen my own cats jump straight up in the air to bring down a bird flying above, and kill it, although this was an inside/outside cat that was well cared for and fed daily. A tiger, lion or leopard, along with the others, kill daily to survive, and turn to humans if they're hurt, and they will hunt humans and kill them until they are themselves killed.

 

When I lived in Texas in a subdivision out in the country (until recently, as the city moved next to it), coyotes used to come into the subdivision (I watched them while hunting next to it), to look for food. A lady heard her poodle yelp, then disappear one day, as it was taken by a coyote. If you can keep cats inside it's always best, as they'll take a huge toll on birds, along with the vermin which in itself is a good thing. My cats in Texas went outside and I saw what they were capable of doing, although they spent most of the time indoors.

Im not disputing the skills, only the fact that apocryphal sightings of success are not necessarily indicative of overall rate. 

[fredwiggy]

5 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Im not disputing the skills, only the fact that apocryphal sightings of success are not necessarily indicative of overall rate. 

This is what I knew of before, so I found it now again. It's true they will eat garbage and beg , especially in cities, but in neighborhoods, especially close to wooded areas, they will look to birds, squirrels and rabbits also...........https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_predation_on_wildlife.

[Yagoda]

1 minute ago, fredwiggy said:

This is what I knew of before, so I found it now again...........https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_predation_on_wildlife.

Nothing out of the ordinary there, outside of the agenda driven manipulation of statistics, but we all agree dont we? Cats are best left indoors?

 

 

[JonnyF]

7 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Im not disputing the skills, only the fact that apocryphal sightings of success are not necessarily indicative of overall rate. 

 

Yes they are not quite the evil genuises that they are often portrayed to be.

 

 

 

[fredwiggy]

Just now, Yagoda said:

Nothing out of the ordinary there, outside of the agenda driven manipulation of statistics, but we all agree dont we? Cats are best left indoors?

 

 

Yes, especially in urban areas. Or let out then let back in after they've done their business. In all my life, I've seen all of my cats come home with birds and animals. One cat who had 7 claws on each paw was a real killer. In two days, he brought home 2 full grown rabbits. Ate half of one (head side) and left the other in the back yard. This was added to many birds and rats, mice he brought home weekly.

[LennyW]

Is it April 1st already!!!