Will Brexit mean the end for cat’s welfare?

15 Dec Will Brexit mean the end for cat’s welfare?

photo credit: Dominique Francis, taken at Battersea ‘cats and dogs’

By Moona Popal

The full consequential impact of Brexit has not become clear yet, as the concern on whether leaving the EU will have a massive impact on animal welfare is still ongoing, with charities like the ‘RSPCA – Cats protection’ and ‘Battersea cats and dogs’ fighting for their rights.

Charities such as the ‘RSPCA’ ha

ve come up with their ‘2022 Agenda for Cats’, in order to ensure that animals are protected and taken care of. According to the ‘RSPCA’, “Politicians and decision makers can help to create a better world for cats and improve their lives immeasurably by working with Cats Protection to deliver our 2022 Agenda for Cats.”

The ‘2022 Agenda’ focuses on the important aspects of animal welfare, such as he horrendous crimes against animals; mainly cats, that suffer from a lack of specific legislation to protect them and the enforcement and prosecution issues where legislation does exist. As well as greater public awareness of cat welfare and responsible pet ownership, such as microchipping cats.

Jacqui Cuff, ‘RSPCA’ Advocacy Manager says: “One of our aims is to make sure cats are not forgotten by decision makers. Cats are often regarded as not needing protection, and that they are able to look after themselves. However, they do need protection and through our advocacy work we are highlighting where policy change is needed.”

Jacqui Cuff hopes that through their campaigns, they will be able to work with, and influence politicians and decision makers to create a better environment for animals.

Charities like ‘Battersea Dogs and Cats Home’, believe that, “…every dog and cat should live in a home where they are treated with love, care and respect.” In 2016, ‘Battersea Dogs and Cats’, cared for around 7000 dogs and cats.

Gemma Nethersole from ‘RSPCA – National Cats Center’, explained; “We carry out certain procedures, including a home visit if necessary, to ensure that each cat goes to a suitable home. We also have an ‘adopt with confidence’ pledge, which means prospective owners can be confident that any cat adopted from us has benefited from the very highest standards of care and attention. Each ‘Cats Protection’ cat will have been examined by a veterinary surgeon, microchipped, vaccinated, neutered if appropriate and will also come with a period of free pet insurance. We provide these benefits so people don’t have to worry about them following adoption.”

Haida Amirzadah from Hendon, adopted her cat as a kitten in 2014.

“I’ve always wanted a pet, and so a cat was my first option. I think adopting animals not only helps the shelters out but brings a long a new love to your life…I have more knowledge and interest on how I can help stop animal cruelty.”

Prime Minister Theresa May had said: “…we will be ensuring that we maintain and enhance our animal welfare standards when we leave the EU.”

Despite having laws like the ‘Animal Welfare Act in England and Wales, the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, and Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011’ set at national level; the Government’s inattentiveness on the matter remains unchanged. Animal charities are pushing politicians into bringing laws which could match to the EU standards of animal welfare.