I have written to several organisations over the last few days with regards to gaining a range of perspectives on the "keep cats indoors" campaign. The RSPB are the first to respond, making some informative suggestions which I have already outlined in my article Keep Cats Indoors (PDF format). The Conservation Liaison Officer, Sarah Niemann's states, "we do not have the scientific evidence of the impact of cat predation on bird populations that is strong enough to support such a call". What I find intriguing is that they will respond to public demand by supporting products such as Catwatch Cat Deterrent or a sonic device on the collar such as the CatAlert collar, but will not go all out to conduct an adequate study, therefore remaining on the fence. These aids are great to have and are basically better than nothing, but most owners will not pay out for such things, and the question also arises as to why non cat owners should have to pay out £55 to keep other peoples pets out of their garden, it's ridiculous. Ms Niemann also states, "Of the birds most frequently caught by cats in gardens, only two (house sparrow and starling) have shown recent declines in their breeding population across a range of habitats. For these two species, there is greater cause for concern – around half of the UK’s breeding starlings and house sparrows live in urban and suburban habitats, and they are among the species which are most frequently taken by cats. However, there is, as yet, no scientific evidence of the impact cats are having even on these two species." Once again, this is simply an excuse, perhaps being based on the fact that the RSPB would be losing a huge chunk of support they currently derive from cat owners? Niemann makes a point that the bluetit population is increasing, which is fantastic, but surely the fact that any breed of bird is suffering is the point? Perhaps I am wrong but I thought they were there for the welfare of animals on not simply conservation numbers. It is truly about these lives suffering based on human/cat influence. I know of owners who simply shoo their cat out the house with a sqealing bird in its mouth, it really does disgust me!

What seems to be most evident is the need for statistics, I am therefore designing a survey which I hope will accumulate into the evidence required to change legislation, along with my petition. What will be required is the impact that cats are having on our environment, our community and living in general? I would also like to gain an insight into the cat owner who already keeps their cats indoors, especially as Ms Niemann suggests there may be "serious welfare implications for cats that cannot adapt to it," though also stating that they "are not experts on cat welfare." What are those implications? Is it because the owner has not made the changes gradually or not equipped the home to provide enough stimuli for the cat? Is it their breed? Diet? It certainly needs to be thought out properly, it will be pointless if cats are abandoned because owners do not have the resources to make these changes tolerable for owner and cat.
 
If you would like to read the RSPB's response in PDF, here is the link RSPB Letter.