So how did I miss this when it appeared in yesterday's Independent? The paper reports that the charity Cats Protection is to launch its 10-point General Election manifesto at a House of Commons reception next month.
Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s advocacy manager told the paper that with nearly one in four UK households, or 6.4 million homes, containing at least one pet cat, there was potentially a huge cat-loving constituency:
A YouGov poll last year found that 14 per cent of voters considered animal welfare an important issue in deciding how they would vote at the next election – more than the number of people who would be influenced by same-sex marriage or the High Speed 2 rail link. “We know that animal welfare is very important for voters, and the issues in the manifesto are bought to our attention by cat lovers on a daily basis. If someone is a pet owner and animal lover, they might well consider what candidates have to say about the cat manifesto.”
The key points are:
- Compulsory microchipping of owned cats
- A national database of cats entering the UK legally so those entering illegally without a rabies vaccination can be identified without delay
- Updating the DangerousDogs Act to allow prosecution of owners whose dogs attack cats
- Inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum
- Clear labelling of flowers, plants and household products that are toxic to cats
- Outright ban on snares
- Stricter regulation on the ownership of air guns and crossbows
They have my vote.
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