Should cats really have the 'right to roam' in France?

A cat owner in Hérault is facing repeated fines each time her pet strays onto a neighbour’s property - a case we reported on recently that prompted a strong reaction from Connexion readers. Here are two of the responses we received.

To the Editor,

I write regarding James Martin’s letter (Connexion, February) concerning the behaviour of cats and the question of responsibility. 

While I certainly understand Mr Martin’s difficulties, he starts from a false premise.

There is no such thing as a ‘cat owner’, as anybody who lives with these animals knows only too well. 

At best, we are allowed to cohabit and be given the privilege of feeding them; at worst we are a combination of door-opener, butler or even slave.

Under English law, the difference between cats and dogs is fully recognised and cats are basically considered semi-feral animals with the right to roam. 

Those who nominally own them are not generally liable for their actions. However, dogs do have owners and are more tractable, so naturally owners are liable.

In France, the law is slightly different and cats (mistakenly) are assumed to be ‘owned’, so Mr Martin may be able to sue his neighbours under civil law. 

However, he had better have film evidence if he wants such a case to have any chance of success.

G.S., Tarn-et-Garonne

To the Editor,

The letter in January’s Connexion entitled ‘Leave our cats free to wander’ beggars belief.

Quite clearly, the writer is intolerant of pretty flowering pot plants and singing birds in their garden. 

Have they never had a pot containing a favourite plant knocked over, and the contents spilled, by one of many stray cats? That frequently happens here. 

And songbirds make a tasty snack for cats if not first frightened away altogether by these predators. So no more dawn chorus, but plenty of insects all over the garden to bite us. 

Leaving cats, often fed by neighbours, free to cause so much destruction and alter the balance of nature makes me sick.

M.S., Lot 

Have you encountered any negative reactions to your cats in France? Let us know at letter@connexionfrance.com