Survey shows support for tougher cat population measures
Anyone found breaking the Animal Cruelty Act 2006 could face up to five years in prison and a £20,000 fine.
Over 60 per cent of people living in the UK have observed a spike in the number of stray or feral cats in the last 10 years, according to new research.
Yorkshire Cat Rescue are calling for tougher measures to control the cat population as current legislation ‘does not appear to be having much effect’.
Over 522 people across the UK responded to the Big Yorkshire Cat Rescue Survey. Of these, 92 per cent called for tougher regulation on owners releasing unwanted cats into the wild.
Sara Atkinson, founder of Yorkshire Cat Rescue, said it showed that people want to see more prosecutions and harsher sentencing.
“In most cases, offenders receive a small fine or community service. Judging by the country’s stray and feral cat population, and bulging rehoming centres, current measures don’t seem to be having much effect,” she said.
The survey asked participants who they felt should be responsible for managing the stray and feral cat population.
Just under half (45 per cent) pointed to local councils, 15 per cent believe it’s a concern for the RSPCA and 15 per cent suggest that rescue centres should manage the problem.
Sara explained that there are clear benefits to leaving the responsibility to cat population charities, but a lack of funding means that reach is limited.
“With greater support from local authorities, we would be able to do so much more and have a long-term impact,” she said.
“There is clearly more that could be done in terms of educating people about responsible pet ownership, the benefits of neutering and the risks of unwanted pets into the wild.”
Currently, anyone found breaking the Animal Cruelty Act 2006 could face up to five years in prison and a £20,000 fine.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
