Omrop Fryslan
In collaboration with
Omrop Fryslan
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
A petition against the killing of stray cats in Friesland has been signed more than 7,000 times since it went online this morning. “It’s pointless and cruel,” said activist group Dier & Recht, which started the petition.
Friesland is the only province in the Netherlands that still shoots stray cats. According to the province, it is necessary to protect meadow birds.
However, the action group says there are many alternatives. “This also happens in all other provinces. Animal-friendly methods are used: the cats are captured, neutered, chipped and then returned to the farms, stables and gardens,” said a spokesperson for Omrop Fryslan.
“When they start, they don’t stop”
The killing of stray cats is part of the wildlife management plan adopted by politicians almost two years ago. That too will not change, says deputy Klaas Fokkinga of the regional broadcaster. “It’s important to shoot feral cats to protect grassland birds.”
Titus Sijmonsma, board member of the Frisian Bird Watchers Association, agrees. “They’re thieves in the field, lust killers. Once they start, they don’t stop.”
Of action group he acknowledges that things are not going well with the stock of meadow birds, but according to them the alley cats have nothing to do with it.
According to Dier & Recht, hunters often miss when shooting domestic cats. Munnekezijl’s Wendie Hol lost two catswho she believes were killed, she told the regional broadcaster.
