LOCK up your moggies. The SNP are out to ban cats.
At least, that’s what you might be led to believe if you read some of the more sensationalist headlines in Scotland’s media the past two days.
“Cats in Scotland could be BANNED under strict new wildlife plans to protect birds,” one outlet reported.
A second used the headline: “Cats could be banned in Scotland as SNP ministers set to review new report.”
While a third simply wrote: “SNP to consider banning cats.”
Of course, the SNP are not considering banning cats.
What has happened is that a report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission recommended looking at potential controls on cat owners in certain areas where wildlife is fragile – such as near Scottish wildcat populations in the Highlands, for example.
But that doesn’t make anywhere near as good a headline.
The news has nonetheless caused something of a stir, with some people having completely bought the idea that the SNP is coming for their feline friends.
“Right nats has your party gone to far this time,” one user apparently too furious to even type correctly wrote. “The last time we culled cats the Plague swiftly followed.”
Good to see things are being kept proportionate.
But while the news that the SNP aren’t going to ban – or cull – people’s cats may come as a welcome surprise to some, others will be devastated.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn was quick to make a quip at the media reports, by sharing The National’s story about the rumour of an imminent cat ban being untrue.
“Not the update he had hoped for,” Flynn wrote, adding a fuming emoji and a picture of his dog looking equally unimpressed.
Not the update he had hoped for 😤 https://t.co/OWz3HL49U0 pic.twitter.com/ZORLtrSTa3
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) February 3, 2025
“Cookie wasn't too happy after seeing the headline!” one user responded, sharing an image of their cat.
“Love your attitude Stephen,” another added. “Treat the nonsense the way it deserves.”
That's exactly what First Minister John Swinney has done, dismissing the idea of a cat ban in no uncertain terms.
The SNP also got in on the action, sharing a picture of a cat at a computer.
"Can't believe we need to say this, but ... the SNP are definitely not banning cats," the party said.
Can't believe we need to say this, but...the SNP are definitely not banning cats. pic.twitter.com/1r9kBeHaXm
— The SNP (@theSNP) February 3, 2025
Don't expect that to make as many headlines.
