Just found this interesting read on CATS Protections: They have put together a manifesto priorities in the run up to the general elections next year! If you wish to skip straight to voting for the manifesto priorities please click on the above banner. đŸ™‚
Press release from their site:
Animal lovers are being asked to take part in a major consultation by charity Cats Protection as it prepares its ‘Cat Manifesto’ ahead of next year’s general election.
The UK’s leading cat charity has released a list of 10 proposed manifesto priorities that, if delivered, would make a huge impact on the lives of the nation’s eight million pet cats and an estimated two million strays and ferals.
The charity – which helps around 218,000 cats every year – is now asking pet owners, veterinary professionals and animal lovers to contribute their views in a public consultation.
Cats Protection’s Advocacy Manager Jacqui Cuff said the charity would use the findings to draw up a final manifesto for cats in the autumn to ensure greater recognition of feline welfare by our next government.
The list of proposed manifesto points includes updating the law to control the breeding and sale of cats, changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act to allow prosecution of owners whose dogs attack, injure or kill cats and the inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum so all children learn about responsible pet care.
Jacqui said: “Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity and it’s our job to ‘speak up for cats’ and use our position, expertise and the views of all our supporters and volunteers to improve the lives of the nation’s cats.
“The manifesto we’re drawing up calls for measures which will not only benefit cats, but also society as a whole.
“We’re proposing updating the law on how kittens are bred and sold to reduce the number of unwanted cats, and changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act to allow owners to be prosecuted if their dog is out of control and attacks, injures or kills a cat. We have thousands of cats in our care from unwanted litters that we are trying to find homes for and thousands more we just don’t have capacity to help. Sadly we also regularly hear from distraught cat owners whose cat has been attacked, usually killed, by a dog and often no action is taken by the authorities. Updated legislation on these two issues alone would contribute to a more responsible society.
“Another priority for us is to end snaring, an inhumane practice which should play no part in a modern, caring nation. Snares cause unimaginable pain and suffering to the many animals which are caught and ultimately killed in them, including cats”.
Jacqui added: “We are asking that the positive effect pet cats have on health and wellbeing of vulnerable people, is fully recognised when new laws come into force on personal care.
“And we are also suggesting the future government gives proper recognition to the needs of people with cats or other companion animals in rented housing and care homes to allow people to keep their pets. For an owner to give up their cat when they move into rented housing or a care home is a tragedy for the cat and its owner.”
People have until the autumn to view and contribute to the Cats Protection’s manifesto proposals.
To take part, visit www.cats.org.uk/manifesto
For more information about the work of Cats Protection, please visit www.cats.org.uk
I hope they spend some of the millions they have in the bank to get this manifesto to the attention of politicians.