James Naish joined fellow MPs and peers to discuss the charity’s campaigns to improve animal welfare laws for cats.
The UK’s biggest cat charity hosted the parliamentary reception to raise awareness of key issues, including the need for cat breeding regulations and the introduction of better protection for pet-owning renters.
The charity also used the event to highlight its work in helping cats and their owners, including its Lifeline service, which provides free cat fostering for owners fleeing domestic abuse.
James said:
“Rushcliffe residents are regularly in touch with me about animal welfare issues, which isn’t a surprise given that, as a nation, we love our animals. Before the elections, the Labour government committed to improving animal welfare by, among other things, ending pet smuggling and farming, so I’m pleased that the government has committed to supporting this Bill, which will close loopholes exploited by traders.”
Cats Protection’s Associate Director of Advocacy, Campaigns and External Affairs, Madison Rogers, said:
“It was brilliant to meet so many politicians – some for the first time – to discuss the work we do to improve the lives of cats and their owners.
“Cats are one of the nation’s favourite pets, yet in many areas, we are failing to give them the protection they need in law. In the case of breeding, we have seen an alarming number of cats being bred for profit with no regard for their health and welfare. And renters are still facing problems in finding pet-friendly housing, which can lead to them having to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their much-loved pet.
“It’s great to see so many politicians take a keen interest in animal welfare, which we know is a very important issue for millions of people.”
Cats Protection, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity, helps an average of 184,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network, which includes around 200 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.
In addition to this, the Government is committed to ensuring that the welfare of cats is upheld, as shown in the following response to a question regarding the import of pregnant cats:
“The Government recently announced its support for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, a Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Dr Danny Chambers MP. The Bill will give the government powers to prevent the supply of low-welfare pets to Great Britain’s pet market. We will use these powers to prohibit the bringing into Great Britain of cats that are more than 42 days pregnant.
“We are fully supportive of this Bill and would like to see it pass through both Houses as soon as Parliamentary time allows.”
To find out more about Cats Protection, please visit www.cats.org.uk.
