MP Bob Seely has written to leading members of parliament’s animal interest groups, asking them to support his amendments to ban the Savannah cat trade.
The Island’s MP has written to officers from the All-Party Parliamentary Groups for Cats, Animal Welfare, Zoos and Aquariums, asking them to support his amendments to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
Mr Seely has submitted amendments to ban the breeding and import of Savannahs (a hybrid breed of wild and domestic cat). The Island's MP submitted these amendments in collaboration with the Isle of Wight-based Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, who have campaigned against the breeding of wild and domestic cats through their SERVIVAL campaign.
Mr Seely has previously said that: “Breeding Savannahs is painful and cruel to the domestic cat. The resultant Savannahs are also, fundamentally, wild animals; they are not suitable pets and are often abandoned by their owners. Despite their unsuitability, the Savannah trade, fuelled by social media, has grown.
“Our amendment aims to protect both domestic cats involved in the breeding and their hybrid offspring.”
Mr Seely’s amendment has already gained cross-party support. 12 MPs from four parties have signed both amendments.
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is currently awaiting its Report Stage in the House of Commons. There is no set date for the Bill to return
