Overijssel faces backlash over potential feral cat culling

The province of Overijssel is facing significant backlash following reports that it may consider allowing the shooting of feral cats to protect declining meadow bird populations. A national petition titled ‘Stop het doodschieten van katten’ has gathered nearly 50,000 signatures in opposition to the move, supported by various animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and local groups such as Stichting Flappus and the Zwolle Animal Shelter.

Animal rights advocates argue that shooting is an ineffective method and expressed concerns regarding the difficulty of distinguishing between feral cats and owned pets. They propose alternative measures, such as trapping, neutering, and rehoming. In response to the growing controversy, Overijssel officials issued a clarification stating that no final decision has been made regarding the shooting of cats and that current reports do not accurately reflect the province's position.

While the province has acknowledged the need to address predators like foxes, martens, and cats to protect biodiversity, any formal proposal regarding feral cats is not expected until 2027.