Keir Starmer’s spokesperson also rejects idea of UK ban after online misinformation prompted outrage

Scotland’s first minister and the UK prime minister’s spokesperson have been forced to deny there are plans to ban cat ownership in Scotland after media interest in feline welfare proposals prompted outrage from pet lovers.

The concerns were prompted by media coverage of a report for the Scottish government by the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, which published its recommendations on responsible domestic cat ownership last Monday.