In many parts of the world, there are animals that are illegal to keep as pets for a variety of reasons.
For example, in California, it is legal to own a zebra as a pet (with a permit), but not a hedgehog. That is because hedgehogs could become pests and threaten the wildlife.
This week, reports broke that a pet that is commonplace nearly everywhere could be banned in one country.
The United Kingdom-based outlet The Telegraph reported that officials in the Scottish National Party were going to consider banning pet cats. This would be done to protect birds and other wildlife.
Reportedly, an official document for the Scottish government suggested “establishing containment zones where residents can be forced to keep their pets indoors, or stopped from owning them altogether” (via The Telegraph):
The report claims that domestic cats have a “significant impact on wildlife populations” as they hunt for fun, torture prey through play, and bring maimed animals home to their owners.
SNP ministers said they were “fully considering” the report, by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, which claims domestic cats are threatening rare wildcat populations by competing with them for food and habitats and passing on diseases.
It recommends consideration of “compulsory containment” of cats in vulnerable areas, meaning they would not be allowed outside.
It suggests that, in new housing developments in rural areas, a stipulation could be added that cats “may not be kept”, especially when homes were close to endangered bird populations or other under-threat animals.
Needless to say, this sent cat lovers into a frenzy. Charities like Cats Protection spoke out against it, calling Scotland a “nation of cat lovers.”
“Ideally, all cats should have the choice to access the outside world,” Alice Palombo, the charity’s government relations officer for Scotland, told reporters on Sunday.
“Cats need to be able to perform natural cat-like behaviours if they’re to live happy, healthy lives. While some cats tolerate living indoors, missing out on these vital experiences can lead to stress-related problems like spraying, excessive grooming or physical illness,” Palombo added.
In a turn of events, Scottish leader John Swinney said Monday that there are no plans to ban or place restrictions on pet cats.
"There's a report being produced by an external organisation which has come in to the government for consideration," he said.
"Let me just clear this up today -- the government's not going to be banning cats or restricting cats. We've no intention of doing so and we will not be doing it," Swinney added.
“We have absolutely no intention of banning cats”
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) February 3, 2025
Speaking to 5 News, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney shut down suggestions he'll be banning Scottish people from owning cats.
A weekend report revealed the SNP is considering it, under plans to protect the country’s… pic.twitter.com/XT2BgVRHIV
