Important:

This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament

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Rejected petition Allow cats to self identify as dogs

Cats should be allowed to identify as dogs. They are being oppressed by a patriarchal system which favours dogs over cats. This is a fundamental breach of feline rights, and they are not being given proper recognition in modern society. We need a new system of domestic pet fluidity and identity.

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Dogs are currently bossing the streets, to the detriment of cats. Some cats feel they have been mis-animalled and identify as being a dog. They should be allowed the right to: daily walks on a lead with their owner; be regularly asked if they are a good boy/girl; be able to take on traditional dog names such as Fido or Rex. It is completely unfair that in 2021 dogs have greater rights over cats, and we need to address this animal identity disparity.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.

Petitions must call for a specific action that the UK Government or Parliament are directly responsible for.

Cats and dogs are treated differently in a number of pieces of legislation. If the species of an animal was contested, this would be a matter to be determined by the courts.

Under animal welfare legislation owners and keepers have a duty of care to their animals and must make sure they meet their needs:

- for a suitable environment and place to live
- for a suitable diet
- to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
- to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

The Government has published codes of practice for the welfare of dogs and cats, which you can read here:

Code of practice for the welfare of dogs: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-dogs

Code of practice for the welfare of cats: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-cats

It is up to owners what to call their pet dog or cat.

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.