In Scotland, they discuss the possibility of banning domestic cats as part of a plan for the protection of local wildlife. This event has been initiated after numerous appeals to the impact of cats on the population of local mammals and birds, in particular through hunting for defenseless animals. The Scotland Animal Protection Commission proposes to limit the movement of domestic cats in certain areas where there is a particularly high risk to wild species.
According to the report, the Scots can be forced to keep their cats in specially equipped "detention zones", like those that are already operating in Australia. These zones include restrictions on walking on the street, and allow them to be released only in special fenced areas or on a leash. Animal rights defenders, including CATS Protection, categorically oppose such initiatives. They believe that the ban or restriction will violate the rights of the owners and give too harsh conditions for cats that are part of many families. In addition, cats have the right to lead an active lifestyle, according to their natural behavior, and they may not perceive tie to a leash.
The situation is even more resonant due to the fact that similar measures have already been introduced in Australia, including the curfew for cats and restrictions on their number in households. Such measures are intended to reduce the damage caused to home cats by local flora and fauna, as they are predators that are uncontrollably hunted in small animals, which threatens the destruction of some species. Some local authorities have already taken measures: in Melbourne, for example, a ban on cat walking in some areas for 24 hours a day has been introduced. In other countries, such as Canberra, penalties have already been imposed for owners who produce their cats without a leash.
This situation raises the question of the balance between nature conservation and the rights of pet owners. Is it possible to find a compromise between the protection of local species and the freedom that pets have?
