Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary John Swinney confirmed yesterday the intention to introduce a ban on domestic cats or restrict their movements to certain rural areas of the country, as suggested by a group of wildlife experts. To encourage pet owners, Swinney stated to British media: "Let me be clear: the government does not intend to ban cats or impose any restrictions."
At the end of last weekend, the Scottish Animal Welfare Committee, an independent body that consults local government, recommended in its report to create "restricted zones for cats", where wildlife is under threat. The committee suggested allowing cats to remain only inside homes, noting that they could only be allowed outside under the supervision of owners holding the animal on a lead, to prevent hunting of wildlife or other birds.
Additionally, the committee proposed to include new construction projects, located near "sensitive conservation areas", a point on the ban on the presence of cats in this area. According to the agency, cats "can have a significant impact on the number of wild animals, both through predation and competition for resources with the population of Scottish wildcats", which are an endangered species.
The government stated that the principle of "full consideration" outlined in the report suggests that led the first minister to clarify his position.
