EDINBURGH, Scotland (UPI) – Scottish First Minister John Swinney has assured the public that Scotland has “no intention” of banning pet cats, despite a wave of online rumors suggesting otherwise.
The speculation stemmed from an independent report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC), which examined ways to address the impact of domestic cats on local wildlife. The report highlighted that pet cats contribute to the deaths of approximately 27 million birds across Britain each year.
Report Sparks Controversy
The SAWC report proposed several measures to curb the issue, including:
- Increased vaccinations and neutering for domestic cats.
- Public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership.
- Potential restrictions on cat ownership in areas home to endangered bird species.
While these proposals were intended to inform future policy discussions, one particular recommendation—the idea of limiting cat ownership in certain conservation zones—was misinterpreted online as a push for an outright ban on pet cats in Scotland.
Government Denies Any Ban on Cats
The rumor quickly gained traction on social media, leading to concerns among pet owners. However, First Minister John Swinney swiftly dismissed the claims in an interview with Bauer Radio.
“Let me just clear this up today. The government’s not going to be banning cats or restricting cats. We have no intention of doing so and we’ll not be doing it,” Swinney said.
The clarification aimed to put an end to the misinformation, which had led to confusion and backlash from pet owners and animal welfare advocates.
Environmental Concerns vs. Pet Ownership
While Scotland has a strong conservation focus, officials emphasize that balancing wildlife protection with responsible pet ownership remains key. Environmental groups continue to advocate for policies that mitigate the impact of domestic animals on fragile ecosystems.
The Scottish government has yet to announce any concrete steps regarding the SAWC report’s findings. However, Swinney’s statement makes clear that pet owners will not face restrictions on cat ownership in the foreseeable future.
