As cat population increases, neta calls for cat sterilisation programme in Mumbai

While there exists a sterilisation programme for dogs in the city soon there may be one for cats too. A notice of motion has been mooted by a corporator that a sterilisation programme on the lines of dogs be also introduced for cats. Even experts say that sterilisation of cats is the need of the hour and must be made mandatory.

The proposal was made by corporator Anil Patankar who says that the cat population has gone unnoticed in the city and has risen manifolds. "While there is no survey to suggest what is the cat population in the city but their number has increased especially in slums, chawls and markets where fish and meat are sold," he said. Patankar claims that there is also an increase in cat bites.

Col JC Khanna, hon secretary, Bombay Society for Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (BSPCA), Parel said, "The cat population has increased by 25 per cent in the past four years alone. There is not just a need but it is necessary to curb the population. The current Animal Birth Control programme deals only with dogs. While we have seen a reduction in their population, cat population has been increasing."