A large majority of veterinarians in Germany surveyed by the German Animal Welfare Federation confirm that the introduction of a nationwide neutering, identification, and registration requirement for outdoor cats from private households would help to minimize the population of stray cats in the long term and improve the situation of these animals. This is the result of a survey conducted by the German Animal Welfare Association for the “Großer Katzenschutzreport” (Major Cat Protection Report), which the association published as part of its “Every Cat's Life Counts” campaign. The Animal Welfare Association is appealing to the federal government to introduce comprehensive legislation for greater cat protection. In this way, the government could lay the decisive foundation for reducing the suffering of millions of stray cats nationwide in the long term.
92 percent of veterinarians surveyed by the German Animal Welfare Federation believe that a nationwide neutering, identification, and registration requirement would reduce the population of stray cats and improve their situation. 72 percent even expect a significant improvement in the animals' living conditions. It is noteworthy that veterinarians from regions where local neutering, identification, and registration requirements already apply do not differ in their assessment from colleagues from regions without such requirements. Both groups expect equally positive effects from a nationwide introduction. In addition to the animal welfare aspect, the respondents also see advantages for their everyday work: 68 percent of veterinarians assume that a nationwide neutering requirement for outdoor cats would make their practice easier.
PREVENTING THE SUFFERING OF STRAY CATS
Each of the millions of stray cats in Germany is descended from an unneutered outdoor cat from a private household. The suffering of stray cats has become one of the biggest unnoticed animal welfare problems. A decline in the population would also relieve the burden on animal welfare associations and shelters, which are usually the only ones to care for cats in need. “Stray cats lead a life full of hunger, disease, and injury. Every day, countless animals fight for survival. It is a silent tragedy in the middle of Germany. With a nationwide neutering requirement, we would have an effective tool to end this suffering in the long term,” says Dr. Dalia Zohni, specialist advisor for pets at the German Animal Welfare Federation.
The German Animal Welfare Federation points out that not only veterinarians and animal welfare organizations, but also a growing circle of species conservationists, hunting and environmental associations support a nationwide mandatory neutering requirement for outdoor cats. “Now is the time for the federal government to act and advance cat protection in the country through a simple measure. The immeasurable suffering of animals cannot tolerate further hesitation,” says Zohni.
