The first All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) dedicated to improving cat welfare has been launched in Westminster.
The new group is made up of MPs and Peers with the support of two leading animal welfare charities, Cats Protection and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The APPG on Cats (APPGOCATS) will discuss cat welfare and how to tackle key cat issues both in Parliament and in society more widely. It will also look at proposals for solutions to a range of problems facing cats and highlight the benefits of owning a cat to combat loneliness.
Maria Caufield, MP was elected chair of the Group at their first meeting earlier this month. “As a cat owner myself, I am very pleased to have been elected Chair of the group, which recognise the important role that cats play in many people’s lives.
“Cats are wonderful animals and provide much love, support and companionship to a wide range of people, from young families to elderly people living on their own.”
Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff, said: “Cats are one of the nation’s most popular pets, and their welfare is a huge importance to millions of owners.
“Despite their popularity, cats all too often suffer from a lack of specific legislation to protect them. Cats protection’s ten-point Manifesto for Cats, launched ahead of the 2015 election, has received great cross-party support from politicians, yet there is still much to be done to ensure that cats are protected.”
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