In the investigation, Kalla Fakta has looked at deviations regarding breeding rules among breeders affiliated with the country's largest organization for pedigree cats and issuer of pedigrees (Sverak).
Between 2019 and 2024, 214 deviations from animal protection regulations were found among Sverak-affiliated breeders. Of these, 146 cases concerned females that were intentionally mated at an age younger than ten months – which is illegal according to the Animal Protection Act.
All deviations from animal protection regulations are serious. Not following the animal protection rules we have developed really shows what can happen. It can result in subjecting animals to unnecessary suffering, says Linda Anderson, animal protection officer at the Swedish Board of Agriculture to TV4.
The provision on not mating females too early in the Animal Protection Act was developed in 2020 to strengthen animal protection in Sweden. Female cats that are mated earlier than the regulations allow can cause suffering for both the female and the kittens.
The provision is developed to ensure that the female cat is sufficiently developed both physically and mentally to be able to cope with a pregnancy, a birth, and to be able to take care of her kittens, says Linda Andersson.
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