Few issues freeze the blood of municipal councillors faster than a proposal to license cats. The Victoria Natural History Society, which wants to save birds from the predation of roaming felines, has written to all 13 Greater Victoria municipalities asking for bylaws to license cats and prohibit them from roaming.
It was like dropping a pebble into a well. All they heard was a faint echo from Colwood that sounded a lot like: “Get lost.”
Municipal councillors across the country who have got into this cat fight have usually ended up scarred for life. Although some cities, including Toronto and Calgary, have brought in licensing, it has never been easy.
Licensing for dogs rarely seems to ruffle anyone’s fur, but not so cats.
The society has a strong argument, citing studies that suggest cats kill millions of birds. Among human-related causes of bird deaths, cats rank No. 1, ahead of buildings and vehicles. One Environment Canada study suggested 100 million to 350 million birds are killed by cats each year
Despite advice from vets that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives, many cat owners fiercely resist attempts to prevent their pets from roaming.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps told the Times Colonist that her city has no intention of regulating cats because it doesn’t have the resources. Other municipalities would probably cite similar reasons.
As with other attempts, this one seems doomed to fade away.
