Would you support the ban of cat ownership in some parts of Scotland?

Households in some areas of Scotland could be banned from keeping cats under plans being considered to protect the country’s wildlife.

An animal welfare body set up to advise the Scottish government has warned that cats are depleting populations of native mammals and birds. It is estimated that they kill around 250,000 bats and 27 million birds in the UK each year.

The Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) has now proposed prohibiting cat ownership in areas where wildlife is most at risk.

It also suggests establishing “cat containment areas” to prevent pet cats from roaming and hunting, similar to regulations in Australia, where cats must be kept indoors permanently unless on a lead or in enclosed outdoor runs. Some areas of Melbourne have a 24-hour ban on roaming cats, while owners in Canberra face a fine of $300 (£150) if their pet is found outdoors without a lead.

Cats Protection, the charity, has strongly opposed proposals to restrict the movements of cats. Alice Palombo, the group’s advocacy and government relations officer for Scotland, told The Mail on Sunday that cats provide companionship for elderly people and those living alone, as well as comfort for people with health conditions.

What are your views? Are you a cat owner? How does this make you feel?