The strict law against roaming cats has been put in place because cats are a major threat to biodiversity, as Helen Oakey, director of Conservation Council ACT in the NRC. For example, they kill birds, reptiles and frogs.

House arrest

In the first instances, the law was even stronger. Cats born on July 1st will be placed under house arrest which would schedule them to stay indoors forever and not even come out on a leash. Thanks to a campaign, the law has been amended and cats are now allowed outside on a leash.

Discussion

The discussion about stray cats also erupted in the Netherlands. In September 2020, ecologist Chris Smit and lawyer Arie Trouwborst argue that cats cannot roam free outside, according to De Telegraaf. Why does the dog have to be on a leash and the cat not? The cat is much more dangerous for protected birds and reptiles,” said Smit at the time.

In the Netherlands too?

People on Twitter are generally positive about the new law in Canberra. Some Twitter users see the law as measures that should also be received in the Netherlands.

Join the conversation

Do you think that the Netherlands should follow Canberra’s example and that cats should only be allowed outside on a leash here? Or do you think this is nonsense and do you believe that cats should roam free? Let us know and join the conversation via our Facebook page†