The Netherlands has approximately 4 million cats and according to the Vogelbescherming, they together account for 18 million birds each year. As a result, meadow birds in particular, such as the lapwing and the black-tailed godwit, get into trouble. “They live in grassland that is rich in herbs and where the water levels are in order”, Marc Scheurkogel of the Vogelbescherming said to the newspaper. RTL News† “But because there are fewer and fewer places that meet these requirements, meadow birds are increasingly concentrated together. And so they are vulnerable.”
Keeping Cats Inside
It doesn’t help that such birds actually make their nests in the grass. They are therefore easy to reach for cats. Especially in the breeding season, when there are also chicks in such a nest, many victims are made. Cats strike especially at night. “Then most birds also sleep and sit on their nest. Then they are an easy target.” The appeal is therefore mainly: “In any case, keep your cat inside at night. Especially if you live in an area rich in meadow birds.”
Punishable
The Bird Protection understands that it is a call that is difficult to control and therefore appeals to the responsibility of the cat owners. “If you’re not sure what your cat is up to, make sure he stays indoors during this time. In fact, it is even the case that you are in violation if your cat kills a bird,” says Scheurkogel.
leash cats
This is not the first time people have been called upon to keep cats indoors. Last year, both the Vogelbescherming and the Bond van Friese Vogelwachten (BFVW) sounded the alarm about the meadow bird and cat situation. Several ecologists have also called for cats to live indoors or to go outside only on a leash, just like dogs.
Source: RTL News