Key message:
VKM will assess the risk Norway's domestic cats pose to threatened species of birds, amphibians and reptiles, and will examine welfare issues associated with free-roaming cats in Norway.
VKM will also assess risk-reducing measures regarding the negative impact of cats on biodiversity and welfare issues.
VKM has initiated the project, partly because of a report by the Norwegian Ornithological Association from 2018 which concluded that about 7 million birds are killed by domestic cats each year in Norway.
The Mandate
The mandate has three main points. First, VKM will assess the magnitude of impact that free-roaming cats have on populations of small rodents, squirrels, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and various larger invertebrates. The risk of transferring various pathogenic organisms and parasites is also part of this assessment.
Secondly, animal welfare issues will be assessed, including whether free-roaming cats are exposed to various hazards, and the degree of unintended reproduction resulting in feral cats. The project group will also evaluate the negative welfare issues for the prey animals that are not killed by cats. Finally, VKM will address possible risk-reducing measures regarding hazards identified in the two first points.
The Project Group
The project group consists of:
- Erlend B. Nilsen – Member, VKM Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Chair of the project
- Svein Dale
Pdf, 58.3 kB, opens in new window. – External Expert, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) - Bjarne Braastad Pdf, 57.8 kB, opens in new window. – External Expert, Professor Emeritus, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
- Cecilie Mejde Pdf, 57 kB, opens in new window.ll – External Expert, Norwegian Veterinary Institute
- Børre Dervo Pdf, 56.7 kB, opens in new window. – External Expert, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
- Kyrre Kausrud – Member, VKM Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Eli K. Rueness – Member, VKM Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Lawrence Kirkendall – Member, VKM Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Martin Malmstrøm – Project Manager, VKM Secretariat
The work will start mid-February 2021 and is expected to be finished during June 2023.
The Panel on Alien Organisms and Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), with supplement from the Panel on Animal Welfare and Animal Health, will be responsible for the risk assessment.
Contact
The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment
