Climate Group Suggests Limit on Number of Cats in Switzerland

The Swiss Climate Protection Association wants to limit the number of dogs and cats in Switzerland. They are proposing to ban the import and breeding of cats to help protect local wildlife and nature.

Switzerland Discusses Limits on Cats and Dogs

Switzerland is known for loving cats, with about 2 million living in the country. But the Swiss Climate Protection Association, which is known for its environmental work, says that cats are harming the environment. They estimate that cats kill 30 million birds and 500,000 reptiles and amphibians every year.

The association is considering a new rule to stop people from importing or breeding cats and dogs for 10 years to control the number of pets.

Cats Affect the Environment, Expert Says

Beat Akeret, who leads a group that focuses on amphibians and reptiles, told the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) that many cat owners don’t realize how many animals their cats kill. Oliver Deapp, from the Climate Protection Association, confirmed that this ban is part of a larger plan to protect nature and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Debates and Other Measures

This idea of controlling pet numbers is not new. In Aargau, lawmakers talked about adding a registration fee for new pets, and Bern discussed a tax on outdoor cats.

Pro Natura’s Opinion

Urs Leugger-Eggimann from Pro Natura, a nature advocacy group, said he is not sure this is the best approach. He believes climate change, land development, and intensive farming are bigger threats to nature than cats. However, Pro Natura is also looking at other ways to address the issue, like giving outdoor cats bells, neutering them, or having a curfew during breeding seasons.

Possible Proposal by End of 2024

The Swiss Climate Protection Association plans to share the cat and dog ban proposal with its members soon. If accepted, it could be included in a new referendum by the end of the year.