Mike Hedges  MS joins Cats Protection to discuss plans to improve cat welfare in Wales

Media release from Cats Protection

Mike Hedges  MS joins Cats Protection to discuss plans to improve cat welfare in Wales

Mike Hedges  MS joined Cats Protection at a Senedd reception as the charity unveiled its priorities for improving cat welfare in Wales.

The charity’s Time is Meow report outlines the measures which are needed to ensure cats – and the people who care for them – are better protected in law.

At a reception in the Pierhead Building on Tuesday 9 May, politicians discussed measures such as compulsory microchipping of pet cats and increasing the availability of cat-friendly housing in the private rented sector.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Wales Daryl Gordon said: “Wales is a nation of pet lovers and cats are a particularly popular pet, with one in four households owning one. It’s therefore great to see so many politicians coming together to find out what they can do to ensure cats receive the protection in law that they deserve.

“Among the key measures we discussed was the need for compulsory microchipping of pet cats in Wales. This is something which will soon be introduced for cats in England and it’s important that Welsh cats are not left behind.

“We also talked about what MSs can do to ensure there is more cat-friendly housing available in the private rented sector. So many people now rent their homes yet too many are being denied the chance to own a pet cat and we believe this must change.”

Among the other priorities outlined in the charity’s report is the need for cat breeding regulation, a ban on extreme breeds of cat such as the Scottish Fold, the inclusion of animal welfare in the Welsh Curriculum and regulation of animal welfare establishments.

Mike Hedges MS said: ‘’I was Delighted to join Cats Protection at the Senedd this week to discuss plans to improve cat welfare in Wales.

Among the key measures we discussed was the need for compulsory microchipping of pet cats in Wales. This is something which will soon be introduced for cats in England and it’s important that Welsh cats are not left behind’

Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, has helped an average of 166,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

Ends

Notes to Editors for Cats Protection:

1. Cats Protection’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
2. Cats Protection is a registered Charity No. 203644 (England and Wales) and sc037711 (Scotland). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06772997). Registered office National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 7TT.
3. Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity in all published material.