Torbay MP Kevin Foster recently joined Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Cats Protection for the launch of the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Cats (APGOCATS).
APGOCATS will bring feline welfare to the forefront of political discussion and will look to investigate how to tackle key cat issues, both in Parliament and in wider society.
The group will be looking to propose solutions to a range of problems facing cats, such as poisoning with antifreeze and laws on air guns, as well as highlighting the benefits of owning a cat to combat loneliness.
Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations Jacqui Cuff said: “Cats are one of the nation’s most popular pets, and their welfare is of huge importance to millions of owners. Yet despite their popularity, cat welfare issues all too often suffer from a lack of political discussion.”
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Michael Webb, said: “As one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities, we’re ready to start work with politicians and other charities to raise the profile of issues affecting cats, who are loved in their millions across the country.”
Kevin said: “With over 10 million cats owned in the UK I was pleased to attend the launch of this new group which will provide an opportunity to discuss issues specifically relating to them on a cross party basis.”