CAT COLONIES CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH
CONTROLLED COLONIES Reproductive control by means of TNR programmes (trap-neuter-return) is the solution supported by numerous research studies and it represents a good policy for controlling the cat population from the point of view of public health and animal welfare. It complements other measures to encourage responsible ownership. Neutered cat colonies can be beneficial as they play an important role in rodent control. However, the presence of cats in urban areas without responsible control can be harmful to the welfare of animals and to a healthy environment.
SANITARY CONDITIONS Besides improving the sanitary conditions of the colonies themselves, TNR improves the environment by reducing the noise and smell which can result from the behaviour of unsterilized cats. Regular worming of a controlled colony and regular cleaning of the area also improves sanitary conditions.
TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES Most diseases affecting cats are only transmitted between cats, not from cats to people. We are much more exposed to infections in a shopping centre than in the presence of cats. Cats living in colonies avoid direct human contact, which also minimizes the risk of infection through scratches or bites. This is the reason why controlled cat colonies represent a lower risk for public health than domestic cats. Even vets or caretakers of cats in colonies, who gain the trust of cats and can even stroke them, do not significantly suffer from pains or illnesses deriving from cats. As regards toxoplasmosis, statistically, cat owners are no more at risk of catching the illness than non-owners. Scientific evidence shows that infection from cats to people is highly unlikely when following basic hygiene. Furthermore, cats are carriers if they themselves eat infected raw meat; therefore the risk is minimal if they are only fed with processed cat food. Humane infection normally has no relation with ownership or contact with cats but from eating undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables. For further details, please see the information made available by GEMFE (AVEPA).
SOCIAL ASPECTS AND BENEFITS Many scientific studies show that observing and taking care of animals have physical and psychological benefits for human beings. Therefore, the relationship between people and dogs or cats, as popular companion animals, have a positive effect on public health. For further information, please see the Fundaci贸n Affinity website.
FREE-ROAMING DOMESTIC CATS In neighbourhoods where domestic cats roam freely outdoors it is essential that owners take responsibility for neutering them. It is joint action regarding all the cats in an area which produces the best results.
Photographs: neutered cats in colonies within the framework of Proyecto CES of the City Council of Zaragoza, courtesy of the photographers Pilar PĂŠrez Pelegay and Raimundo Ponz.
Increasing animal protection follows a growing public awareness and is included in European, national, regional and municipal regulations.
ZARAGOZA CITY COUNCIL ANIMAL PROTECTION OFFICE Edificio ambiental del Ebro Plaza Europa 1-3, 50003 Zaragoza Tel: 976 723 991. E-mail: proteccionanimal@zaragoza.es