Cat lovers in Nairobi are worried about a proposed law that some are calling a “cat tax.” In Kenya, any mention of new taxes tends to make people uneasy.
The Nairobi City County has introduced a proposal that would require all cats to be registered by their owners. The registration would cost 200 Kenyan shillings (about $1.50 or £1.20) per year, and owners would also need to provide proof that their cats have been vaccinated against rabies.
In addition to the registration fee, cat owners would need to take responsibility for their pets’ behavior, which could be challenging given that cats are known for being independent. The proposed law, known as the Animal Control and Welfare Bill, states that owners must ensure their cats do not make loud noises that disturb the neighbors, especially during mating season. It also requires owners to keep female cats that are in heat confined.
The purpose of the legislation is to improve the welfare of cats in the city, but some residents are skeptical. Recently, Kenyans successfully protested against a finance bill that introduced several new taxes, and some people see this new proposal as just another way for the government to collect more money.
Khadijah M Farah, a Kenyan citizen, expressed her frustration on social media, saying, “First taxes on period products, now taxing cat owners. Leave my pussy alone!” She was referring to the now-canceled finance bill.
There are also concerns about how the law would be enforced, given the large number of stray and feral cats in Nairobi. The exact number of cats in the city isn’t known, but they are a common sight, often seen roaming the streets, lounging in shops, and scavenging for food at garbage dumps and restaurants.
Naomi Mutua, a Nairobi resident who owns over a dozen cats and refers to herself as the city’s “mother of cats,” told the BBC that the authorities should have consulted with cat owners, rescue organizations, and veterinary groups before drafting the law. She agrees that mandatory rabies vaccinations are a good idea but questions how this would be implemented.
According to Kenya’s health ministry, around 2,000 people die each year from rabies caused by bites from dogs or cats. Naomi believes that any new law should start by improving the standards of care for animals, which are currently lacking. She also wonders if keeping a cat in heat confined would be “restricting them from their natural behavior.”
The county is organizing a public consultation starting this Friday, where residents can share their opinions about the proposed bill. These opinions may lead to changes in the law before it is finalized.
Emma Ngugi, the head of the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), sees the proposed legislation as a positive step, as animal welfare is a major issue in the city. However, she doubts that requiring licenses is the best solution, as people may be reluctant to register their cats. In fact, some may abandon their pets rather than pay the fee, which would defeat the purpose of the bill.
Ngugi also points out that there is already a law requiring dog owners to obtain licenses, but many people ignore it, even those who can afford it. Under the new proposal, cat owners who fail to comply with the licensing and welfare standards could face penalties, including fines and jail time. However, many people doubt that the law would be enforced.
One person commented on a TV show that, “Nairobi cats are restless. You cannot own Nairobi cats.”
Ngugi believes that the overpopulation of cats is a serious problem, as rabid cats can pose a risk to both human health and the environment. She suggests that instead of focusing on licenses, the government should introduce low-cost veterinary services and conduct mass sterilization campaigns for stray cats and dogs. The cost of sterilizing a cat can be as much as a month’s wages for some Kenyans, making it difficult for many to afford.
In the meantime, the proposed bill has sparked a lot of discussion, even inspiring one Nairobi resident to write a poem. In his “ode to cats in Kenya,” Innocent Ouko concludes with the words: “Seems like we’re in a cat-ch 22 situation.”
