Good Morning Britain’s Ed Balls couldn’t hide his disbelief as the show delved into a contentious debate on whether Scotland should impose bans on cats in certain areas, leaving viewers equally split on the issue.
The 57-year-old presenter interjected with several remarks expressing his shock at the news that SNP ministers are mulling over legislation to prohibit pet cats in specific zones.
As Ed and co-host Susanna Reid geared up for a discussion on the potential merits of such a ban, he couldn’t help but express his bewilderment, saying: “Has the world gone mad,” while visibly shaking his head in disapproval.
The concept being toyed with by SNP ministers involves creating ‘containment zones’ where cat owners would be barred from letting their feline friends roam outdoors, aiming to safeguard birds and other wildlife.
According to The Mail on Sunday, another possibility for these zones might include outright restrictions on cat ownership within them, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This radical idea comes in the wake of a report highlighting the significant harm domestic cats have caused to various local bird and mammal populations. These proposed “cat containment areas” would target regions where wildlife is deemed most at risk, with Scottish ministers now giving the proposal serious consideration.
In an effort to gauge public opinion on the matter, Susanna posed a question to Good Morning Britain viewers, asking: “Should we consider banning cats. To stop them harming birds?”
The presenter highlighted the ongoing discussions by the Scottish Government regarding potential ‘containment zones’ to prevent cats from harming wildlife, and asked viewers for their opinions.
Co-host Ed was incredulous at the topic, remarking: “Has the world gone mad? You’re watching Good Morning Britain on ITV1, lets go to debate that nonsense in a moment.”
The debate over proposed cat bans has stirred strong reactions among Good Morning Britain’s audience. An ITV poll showed 75% of viewers opposing the idea, while discussions on platform X show a split in opinion.
Many viewers expressed support for controls, with one commenting: “Good idea, cats killing the birds and c*****g all over my garden #gmb.” (sic)
Another vented frustration about pet behaviour and ownership, saying: “#GMB ‘Ban cats to protect wildlife’? A better question would’ve been about the fact cats are allowed to come into MY garden, kill birds, then do their business in the grass/flowerbeds. It is DISGUSTING – irresponsible owners! Why should WE have to clean it up?” (sic)
On the flip side, some were outraged by the thought of confining cats, fuming: “What am I watching! ? Scotland makes its law to Lock your cats up to stop them preying on birds? #Peta #GMB @GMB.” (sic)
Others urged for a more nuanced view, with one person pleading: “Leave cats alone #GMB.” (sic)
Fairness was called into question by another, who observed: “All cats don’t kill wildlife. My ragdoll have never killed wildlife. He’s 18 now and still terrified of birds … even small ones who come up next to him and have no worries. They clearly know he’s no threat. Cat not interested.#gmb.” (sic)
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1, from 6am.