Germany’s minister for agriculture has focussed the spotlight on the nation’s un-neutered pet tomcats.
They have been accused of wandering about and mating freely which has led to a glut of stray cats.
The minister, Christian Schmidt, has proposed that the tomcats must be neutered, kept under lock and key or put on a lead.
“Either castrate your cat or don’t let him out of the house,” is the official advice to pet-owners.
Official figures indicate there are as many as one million stray cats in Germany. They have also been charged with causing thousands of euros worth of damage to trees and flowers.
The strays never have the vaccinations pet cats are given, and diseases are spreading rapidly in the wild population, according to the ministry.
Many feral cats are born weak and are not able to fend well.
“Unlike wild animals, cats are a domesticated species that is not adapted to life without human support,” a ministry spokesman told reporters.
“Without human care and support, the cats often experience considerable pain, suffering or harm.”
Animal rights activists support the proposals.
A spokesman for Peta said they are “an important measure against cat overpopulation, and to mitigate the suffering of homeless cats”.
