Gardeners are being warned about jail time and fines over cats (Image: Getty)
A serious legal warning has been issued to gardeners who try to stop cats entering their garden.
are beloved by many, with millions of households up and down the country letting their animals roam freely around their neighbourhood, which can mean they often slip into other people’s gardens.
But to some , cats can be a bit of a pest. They trample flowers, poo in raised beds and even chase birds away from feeders.
As a result, many gardeners are tempted to take action against their feline intruders – and it’s here that they risk legal action.
Animal welfare charity the has warned gardeners that cats are “protected by law” and that doing anything which could cause them harm could lead to a serious punishment.
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Many gardeners try deterrents like cat scarers, squirt guns or scatter granules to try to stop cats.
But go too far and cause suffering or harm to a cat, even indirectly with some kind of deterrent, and you could face prison and an unlimited fine.
The said: “Remember, cats are protected by law and are free to roam. Make sure that any deterrent used are non-harmful or cruel. Causing unnecessary suffering to a cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is also an offence to put down snares, poison or an unlicensed deterrent.”
East Hampshire District Council sets out the punishments for anyone falling foul of the law. It said: “Failing to provide for the needs of any animal or causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence and anyone found guilty of this offence may be banned from owning animals, face a large fine or imprisonment.”