Behaviorists and veterinarians are increasingly warning about the dangers of letting cats outside. The reasons are complex and involve both the health and safety of the animal and the impact on the natural environment.
Don’t let the cats out
Why shouldn’t we let our pet cat go outside? First of all, the outdoors poses numerous threats to the cat. Cats that go outside are at risk of contracting various diseases, such as panleukopenia (FPV) and infectious peritonitis (FIP). They can also be infected by parasites. In addition, there is a high risk of road accidents, attacks by other animals such as dogs, and mechanical injuries.
Secondly, cats, although often seen as adorable pets, are predators. Their natural instincts mean that even the gentlest individuals can hunt small animals such as rodents, birds or insects. Research conducted by Polish scientists indicates that the invasive species in Poland, cats, are responsible for the deaths of at least 631 million mammals and almost 144 million birds.
It’s okay to let the cat out
He talks about the responsibility of releasing an animal art. 77 §1 of the Code of Petty Crimes. The owner may even be fined for improperly supervising the cat. Fine of PLN 1,000. This situation concerns the release of pets and not semi-wild cats that are fed, for example, in the field.
Legal basis: Art. 77 §1
Minor Offences Code
Anyone who fails to observe ordinary or prescribed precautions when keeping an animal will be subject to the penalty of restriction of freedom, a fine of up to PLN 1,000 or reprimand.
It is also worth remembering that the owner is also responsible for any damage caused to the animal. This is what it means art. 431 of the Civil Code.
Legal basis: Civil Code
§ 1º Anyone who keeps or uses an animal is obliged to repair any damage caused by it, regardless of whether it is under their supervision, has gotten lost or has run away, unless it is the fault of the animal or its owner.
§ 2 Even if the person who raises or uses the animal is not responsible as provided in the previous paragraph, the injured party may demand full or partial compensation for the damage, if the circumstances, and especially the comparison of the financial situation of the injured party and that person, indicate that the principles of social coexistence so require.
