Conflicts often arise among residents over the practice of feeding stray cats.
This issue has now made its way to national petitions.
A parliamentary public consent petition calling for the enactment of a so-called "Cat Mom Prohibition Act"—which seeks to institutionally restrict feeding stray cats—surpassed 50,000 signatures yesterday and is expected to be reviewed by the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly.
The petitioner argued that indiscriminate feeding of ownerless cats and the abandonment of feeding stations cause continuous damage to resident living environments, public health, and ecosystems. They called for revising the Animal Protection Act to restrict unauthorized feeding and shift management policies toward protection and adoption.
On the opposing side, a petition in favor of feeding stray cats has also emerged.
This petition has similarly secured over 50,000 signatures, meeting the threshold for official discussion.
Proponents also agreed with the direction that feeding practices causing problems—such as leaving food bowls unattended, causing odors and pests, and trespassing on private property—should be regulated.
However, they drew a line, arguing that "managed feeding"—which involves providing appropriate amounts at set times, collecting food and bowls afterward, and connecting the cats to neutering and medical treatment—is different from indiscriminate dumping of feed.
(Photo Source: National Assembly Public Consent Petition Website)
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