The Cat Group is a coalition of organisations dedicated to improving the welfare of cats in the UK. Through joint campaigns and influencing using our collective knowledge, we make expert recommendations on the care and keeping of cats.
Statement published: March 2026
The Cat Group Position Statement: The Animal Welfare Strategy for England
The UK Government recently launched its Animal Welfare Strategy for England, setting out what it describes as the most ambitious animal welfare programme in a generation. However, members of the Cat Group are disappointed that the strategy is not more ambitious for cats.
Members of the Cat Group have been calling on the Government to improve the lives of cats and protect them from harm. Whilst there are a limited number of positive initiatives in the strategy to progress cat welfare, we are disappointed that the strategy does not propose tackling increasingly prevalent and harmful cat breeding practices, resulting in cats being bred without adequate safeguards. There is a growing risk to cat health and welfare, and the absence of meaningful measures to address them throughout the strategy is a significant missed opportunity.
It is also disappointing that the strategy does not commit to introducing a single point of search for microchipping databases. Currently, there are 24 government-approved microchipping databases operating, along with numerous bogus sites. Since an owner can choose which database to use for their cat, anyone scanning a cat may have to check multiple databases, which increases confusion, related costs and risks delays in reuniting lost cats with their owners.
Furthermore, members of the Cat Group are concerned that the strategy merely proposes a future consultation, later in this Parliament, on whether to ban the use of electric shock collars. We strongly support the British Veterinary Association (BVA) campaign, as well as the BVA and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) joint policy position on this matter - and urge that all such devices designed to inflict discomfort or harm must be banned without further delay.
Members of the Cat Group welcome enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation, a ban on snares, and protections for animals within rescue and rehoming organisations that are covered in the strategy. However, we are concerned about a lack of details on the timetable for action on these issues. There must not be further years of delay whilst animals needlessly suffer.
Members of the Cat Group call on the Government to take immediate and meaningful action to protect cats from further harm and work with the sector to deliver the changes that are urgently needed.
Contact Details
For all enquiries including media requests, please email the Chair Madison Rogers at catgroup@cats.org.uk.
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