Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In Sweden there is estimated to be more than 100 000 homeless cats. Despite being the most popular animal in the country, its status is very low. A life on the streets can be harsh and some argue about how to tackle the problem. Doing nothing is not a solution. Some wish to euthanize them, because of the threat they might pose to the wildlife and some often regard living outside to be cruel and lack a proper welfare. Others try to take them into rescue centres to rehome, and some use TNR as an alternative to the above. TNR means that the cats are trapped, neutered and released back into a colony with supervision of caretakers. They get food, shelter and veterinary care. Those in favour of TNR argue that it is not a bad lifestyle as long as they get cared of properly. In Sweden this has been a debated topic between the authorities and those who wish to maintain the TNR colonies. The different sides do not share the same ideas and a court decision finally made a verdict in favour of a TNR colony. This literature study will also explore the reasons why owners choose to abandon their pets. Abandoning animals is not according to the Swedish legislation and some potential actions to counteract abandonment and poor ownership will be reviewed.