The Nairobi Feline Sanctuary (NFS), the first of its kind in Kenya, issued a statement on Thursday, July 25, calling upon Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to abandon the proposal many cat owners have termed punitive.
Four days after Viral Tea first blew the whistle on a proposal by the Nairobi County government to compel cat owners to pay Ksh200 for a licence to gain legal possession status for their felines, uproar ensued over cat communities across the capital city.
The Nairobi Feline Sanctuary (NFS), the first of its kind in Kenya, issued a statement on Thursday, July 25, calling upon Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to abandon the proposal many cat owners have termed punitive.
“Nairobi County has proposed a new regulation requiring cat owners to pay Ksh200 for keeping a cat,” the statement on its Facebook page read in part.
“While this fee might seem manageable to some, it poses a significant burden to many cat owners who may struggle to afford it. What does this mean for our beloved feline friends?”
NFS warned that the proposal, though subject to public participation, could lead to an increase in the abandonment of cats, as owners who cannot pay may feel forced to give up their pets, a matter which could result in a surge in stray cats roaming the streets of Nairobi.
Stray Cats
This, the organisation adds, brings challenges such as overpopulation whereby more stray cats mean increased breeding, leading to a greater population that can overwhelm the city’s neighbourhoods.
Furthermore, the move could affect the welfare of stray cats as they often face harsh conditions and lack of food and medical care, leading to suffering and disease.
In terms of community impact, NFS warned that an influx of stray cats could affect public health and sanitation, as well as the cats’ well-being.
“We believe there’s a better way! Animal Welfare Groups in Kenya are calling on Nairobi County to reconsider this proposal. Instead of imposing a fee that could harm our feline friends and our communities, let’s explore more humane solutions,” added the statement.
The county government was urged to offer support for spay and neuter programs which can help control the cat population humanely.
Also recommended was education and awareness achieved by informing the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of caring for their pets.
Sakaja’s administration was also urged to provide community support, through the provision of resources and support to cat owners who may be struggling financially owing to current harsh economic times in the country.
“We urge all animal lovers and welfare advocates to come together and petition the County Government to abandon this proposed fee. Together, we can ensure a safer, healthier, and more compassionate environment for our cats and our community,” added NFS.
The Proposals In A Nutshell
In the proposals contained in the Nairobi City County Animal Control and Welfare Bill 2024 introduced in the Nairobi City County Assembly, Nairobi residents would be mandated to obtain a license from the County Government and pay the required fees for it, failure to which owners would be prohibited from keeping or having a cat.
It was further revealed that a license for a cat may only be issued or renewed under the Bill if the owner makes an application to the County Government and provides proof that the owner has premises fit to control the cat.
“Every cat license issued under this Bill, unless cancelled under the provisions of this Bill, shall expire on the thirty-first (31) day of December next following the date on which the license is issued and shall be valid only in respect of the cat for which it was issued,” the Bill reads in part.
The County government further proposed that the cat license fee of Ksh200 shall be subjected to revision in the current Finance Act and shall become due upon the issue or renewal of a license.
For cases of replacement of a cat license, a replacement license or license tag may be issued upon payment of the fee of Ksh100 or as specified in the current Finance Act, when; written evidence has been adduced to the Head of County Veterinary Services that the original license has been lost, destroyed or stolen, or a valid license for the cat has been issued in another jurisdiction and the license and receipt are surrendered to the County Government.
Furthermore, one license shall be issued free of charge for a cat which has been neutered during the twelve months immediately preceding the application for the license subject to the owner providing a copy of a certificate from the veterinary surgeon that the cat has been neutered.
A group of cats. /DAILY PAWS
“If the ownership of a licensed cat changes hands, the new owner may be issued a new license by the Head of County Veterinary Services upon payment of the transfer fee of Ksh100 or as specified in the current Finance Act,” adds the Bill.
“Provided that the license issued to the previous owner of a cat shall be surrendered to the County Government when a new one is issued. The County Government may waive the license fees for a cat at its discretion.”
Public participation for the proposed Animal Control Welfare Bill is set to take place in Nairobi at the Charter Hall on August 2, 2024, from 12.00 pm to 2.00 pm.