Stray animals suffer terribly. Cats reproduce quickly and form large colonies, resulting in the rapid spread of diseases. Many animals die in pain because they do not receive medical care or starve due to lack of food.  Of the excessive reproduction of cats, countless animals are abandoned or end up in animal shelters. Particularly in rural areas, unwanted kittens are often drowned or otherwise killed.

This is why, from an animal welfare perspective, it is strongly advisable to refrain from keeping unneutered cats that are allowed to roam around outdoors. Neutering is a proportionate measure in preventing further increase in stray populations, in reducing animal suffering, and in effectively regulating the cat population in Switzerland. The legislation currently in force does not go far enough. This is why the petitioners are calling for the introduction of mandatory neutering for outdoor cats in the Animal Welfare Ordinance and are now hoping that public pressure resulting from the petition will help persuade parliament. So far, 39 members of parliament officially support the request and many more have expressed their interest in it.