Scotland has 'no intention' to ban cats, despite online rumors

Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Scotland's first minister reassured the public that the country had no plans to ban pet cats after a report sparked rumors online.

A report by the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission contained numerous proposals for curbing the problem of domestic cats killing about 27 million birds across Britain each year.

The proposals included vaccinations and neutering, but the most controversial online was the suggestion that cat ownership be limited in certain areas that are home to endangered species of birds.

Rumors circulated online that Scotland was planning to ban pet cats, leading Scottish First Minister John Swinney to clarify there were no such plans.

"Let me just clear this up today. The government's not going to be banning cats or restricting cats. We have no intention of doing so and we'll not be doing it," Swinney told Bauer Radio.