Nairobi, Kenya — The capital of Kenya, Nairobi, has introduced a proposed regulation requiring all cats within the city to be registered by their owners, a move that has sparked debate among residents. The proposed regulation, known as the Animal Control and Welfare Bill, aims to manage the city’s cat population and ensure the welfare of the animals.
Under the new proposal, cat owners in Nairobi would be required to obtain an annual license for their pets. The licensing fee is set at 200 Kenyan shillings ($1.50; £1.20) per cat. In addition to the licensing fee, owners must provide proof that their cats have received rabies vaccinations.
The regulation seeks to hold cat owners accountable for their pets’ behavior. According to the proposed bill, owners must ensure that their cats do not “scream or cry in a manner that disturbs the peace” of the community. Additionally, owners would be required to confine female cats in heat to prevent disturbances.
This legislative proposal is part of a broader effort by Nairobi County to address concerns related to animal control and welfare. However, it has faced criticism from some residents who perceive it as a “cat tax” and are questioning its enforceability.
Recently, there was a withdrawal of a similar bill that aimed to impose a financial levy on bicycles and motorcycles. This action has led to skepticism regarding the implementation of the new cat registration requirement, with some viewing it as a revenue-generating measure by the government.
The proposal is currently under consideration, and its potential impact on Nairobi’s feline population and the responsibilities of cat owners are being debated across the city.
A bbc.com report
