Cats Protection says ‘there is always more that can be done’ as SNP MSP Emma Roddick meets with the animal protection charity at Holyrood to discuss improving feline welfare
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MSP Emma Roddick has met with an animal protection charity that is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for pets.
Cats Protection was attending a parliamentary reception in Holyrood to discuss its work across Scotland to improve feline welfare.
The event, sponsored by MSP Mark Ruskell was held to highlight ways that politicians can support Scotland’s 685,000 pet cats and their owners.
The charity has issued its own five-step proposal called The Time is Meow: A Cat Welfare Action Plan for Scotland.
In the Cat Protection calls for the following:
-Effective laws on kitten sales and breeding
-A ban on snares that are dubbed “cruel and inhumane”
-Educate children on animal welfare to boost responsible pet ownership
-Compulsory microchipping of pet cats
-More private landlords allowing tenants to keep pets.
Ms Roddick said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Cats Protection and discuss their priorities for changes to cat welfare protections that could be implemented in Scotland, including compulsory microchipping.
“As the owner of a rescue cat myself, I know how important it is that there are policies in place to prevent suffering.”
Cats Protection’s Alice Palombo said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many MSPs who were keen to find out how they can support cats and the people who care about them.
“Scotland is a nation of cat lovers, with 20 per cent of households owning one, so their welfare is important to a huge number of people.
“While Scotland already has some strong legislation in place to protect cats, there is always more that can be done.
“We were pleased to discuss our priorities with so many MSPs as part of our work to help cats in Scotland.”
The full welfare plan can be found here.
