Cat flood in Greifswald: Animal welfare requires castration obligation

Cat flood in Greifswald: Animal welfare requires castration obligation

The situation in the animal shelters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania becomes increasingly worrying. In Greifswald in particular, animal rights activists have found that the overpopulation of cats assumes alarming proportions. The problem is exacerbated by an unusually high young cat youngsters this year, which strongly claims the capacities of the facilities.

cat population explodes

According to the state association of the German Animal Welfare Association, a significant increase in Katzenbabys was registered in 2024. Because of the mild winter months, many cats are born their first throws in February. Cats are usually pregnant twice a year, mainly in spring and autumn. This year, however, a worrying deviation from the norm shows.

bottleneck in the animal shelters

The chairwoman of the Greifswald Animal Welfare Association, Franziska Kraatz, reports that over 125 cats have already been opened up this year and many of them are urgently looking for a new home. But the spatial capacities of the facility are largely exhausted. Kraatz emphasizes that many animals urgently need help, but the association cannot do justice to all animals due to lack of space.

stray and castration

Another important problem is the high number of uncastrated strays. In rural areas in particular, many owners ignore the castration of their cats. Animal rights activists have been calling for a nationwide castration obligation for years to strengthen the responsibility of animal owners. Kraatz supports this concern and explains that there are debates in numerous communities, but which are only slow.

Financial support for animal shelters

In order to improve the situation in the animal welfare homes, the country has promised a total of 300,000 euros. These funds flow to different facilities, including in Güstrow, Neubrandenburg and Bergen on Rügen. Financial support could help expand capacities and to offer more cats the necessary care and a new habitat.

Why the problem is important

The overpopulation of cats is not only a question of animal welfare, but also affects the entire community. If they are not controlled, stray cats can represent health risks for humans and domesticated animals. In addition, the situation in the animal shelters creates a need for more awareness of the responsibility associated with the attitude of animals. Anyone who is interested in a pet should find out comprehensive information before adoption and consider the long -term consequences associated with this decision.

- Nag