As a pet owner, and supporter of many rescuers and charities, it saddens me to see the extraordinary numbers of unwanted kittens that have come into this World, due to cats not being spayed/castrated. So many kittens are abandoned, sometimes along with their mothers when owners simply don't want the responsibility.

I would like to make it a legal requirement that any pet owner who is NOT a registered breeder, MUST have their male/female cat castrated/spayed. Far too many young lives are lost as these kittens often end up covered in fleas that carry diseases, which can lead to anaemia and blood loss, and if the kittens remain untreated they simply cannot survive.

I realise there are many stray cats without homes, so this problem will never truly "go away". However, many rescues are participating in the "trap, neuter & release" programmes, which goes a long way to control feral colonies.

Obviously, castrations and neutering can cost a great deal, and I appreciate that not everyone can afford the surgery to prevent their cat from breeding, however many charities offer help to those who have pets but cannot afford the full cost. There is no excuse for allowing a pet to reproduce and discard the resulting animals as a result of the owners' unwillingness to seek help.

Questions/statements I get asked or read include...

"Male cats cannot have kittens, so why should I have him castrated?" Whilst it's true that male cats cannot become pregnant,  they can often cause horrendous injuries to other males when fighting for breeding rights. Male cats are driven by instinct and hormones and by having them castrated, you can ensure that your own pet and the pets of others are not harmed.

"My female cat is indoor only, why does she need spaying?" Although she is an indoor-only cat, cats are very resourceful and persistent. If she escaped one day and got pregnant would you accept the responsibility and care for her whilst she carries her kittens to term? Would you be willing to feed and care for her offspring? It can and does happen! In addition to this, you'll also be ensuring that your cat is less susceptible to uterine infections and breast tumours. It's a win-win for everyone!

The fact is you cannot watch your cat around the clock, and this simple surgery can ensure that your pet, and the pets of others remain happy and healthy for many years.

Please, help me get the number of signatures required to get this petition considered seriously. All pets are required by law to be microchipped. Dogs are required to wear a tag with their owner's details. Kennels/catteries require your pet to have up-to-date vaccinations and flea & worming treatment...

I do not think it is much to ask, to make it a legal requirement to spay/neuter your cat, unless you are a registered breeder. It is the right thing to do, and it's the most responsible choice that you can make for your cat.

Thank you for taking the time to read my petition.

Note: for those who are interested, the kitten in the photo for this petition is a rescue. I took in Sox and his 2 siblings, and feral mother just before Christmas 2020. His mother was only a year old, and her litter were roughly 5wks old when I caught them. The kittens, and Mum were severely malnourished, freezing cold, and full of worms... Sox was the worst. Without intervention, he would have died. His mother was spayed before being released on a large farm. She wasn't my cat, so I contacted Cats Protection for help, and they paid for her surgery. I am stating this to prove... it CAN be done when you don't have the funds.