Animal welfare campaigners are outraged after Transport for London (TfL) bosses refused to delete a disturbing social media video that appears to condone cats being carried on escalators and sitting on platforms on London’s underground.
Cats Protection raised serious concerns about the video, warning of the dangers and stress caused to cats when exposed to busy, noisy public transport environments.
But despite engaging with the charity on Wednesday (8 October) in seemingly productive discussions, TfL disregarded the concerns and declined to take down the post from its official social media channels. Instead, the charity understands TfL is working to adapt captions but not address the visual content.
Jeff Knott, Cats Protection Director of Advocacy & Influence, was appalled by TfL’s response. “For TfL to disregard cat welfare and safety in favour of clocking up a few more likes on social media is staggering to say the least. The evidence is clear. Changing a few words simply isn’t good enough.
“We strive to encourage people to see the world through cats’ eyes and we made a strong case to protect cats from the unnecessary stress and dangers of being carried on busy, noisy tube trains. We thought the meeting was constructive, but were they really listening?
“We’re here for cats and we’re confident that public opinion is with us. We’re not going to let this matter drop, especially as it would appear to contravene the spirit of their own Conditions of Carriage. Our next steps are to ask the London Assembly to meet with us to discuss improving cat welfare on TfL. This isn’t over.”
Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection Senior Behaviour Manager, said: “It is shocking to think that anyone would travel on the underground with their cat on a lead or held to their chest. It is not only very poor welfare; it’s unsafe.
“Busy stations and crowded underground platforms with loud noises, trains arriving, announcements and crowds, should be off limits for cats.
“Imagine if a panicked cat got free and ran along the tracks. It could shut down the tube line and bring London to a standstill. Irresponsibility comes with consequences.”
The UK’s leading cat welfare works with organisations to improve the lives of UK cats. As part of this work, the charity is keen to expand on the dialogue with TfL to produce a joint video providing helpful tips on how best to care for your cat on essential travel on buses and tubes, such as visits to the vet.
Check out Cats Protection advice on travel in line with good cat welfare: www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/travelling-with-your-cat
