cat colonies control and public health zaragoza web 1
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CAT COLONIES CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH Leaflet edited by CES Project and the Veterinary Faculty of the University of ZaragozaTRANSCRIPT
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 Fundación 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 Pérez 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: [email protected]