GB News presenter Andrew Pierce has launched a scathing attack on the Scottish Government’s proposals to consider banning pet cats in certain areas, calling the plans “just stupid.”
Speaking on GB News, Pierce questioned whether the SNP government was “intent on political electoral suicide” over the proposed measures that would force residents to keep cats indoors in designated areas.
The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s report suggests establishing “containment zones” where residents would be forced to keep their pets indoors.
The proposals also include potential restrictions on cat ownership in new housing developments in rural areas, particularly near endangered bird populations.
Andrew Pierce unleashed a heated rant
GB News
Speaking on GB News, Andrew Pierce said: “Is this SNP government intent on political electoral suicide?
“So you can’t own a cat in certain areas where you have to keep them indoors because they’re affecting the mammal population, because they’re predatory.
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Co host Bev Turner said: “So wildlife groups in Scotland are worried about birds. I like birds but I also respect a household owner to own a cat in Scotland.”
“The idea that a government could dictate to people you can’t own a cat, the cat has to stay indoors.”
Andrew responded: “It is just stupid. My point really is, hasn’t the Scottish Government got more important things to think about?
“For instance, they have the worst record for drug related deaths in the whole of Europe and here they are faffing on about cats.
Cat could become indoor pets in Scotland
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“We’ve got the Scottish First Minister’s former husband who has been arrested over potential fraud. Is this just distraction?”
The commission’s report, which SNP ministers are “fully considering,” claims domestic cats have a “significant impact on wildlife populations.”
The measures are aimed at protecting birds and other wildlife from cats that “hunt for fun, torture prey through play, and bring maimed animals home to their owners.”
The report also raises concerns about domestic cats threatening rare wildcat populations by competing for food and habitats, as well as potentially spreading diseases.
In vulnerable areas, the commission suggests considering mandatory neutering of pets to prevent feral cat populations from expanding.
According to the report, cats bring home tens of millions of animals – including mammals, reptiles and amphibians – every year in the UK.
The actual impact could be far greater, with estimates suggesting “at least 700 million vertebrates per year” are killed by cats across Britain.
The Scottish Government has said it will “fully consider the recommendations” of the commission’s report.