Weigh up risks of cats in trees

I REFER to the article in which MSP Alex Johnstone is quoted as calling on pet owners to “hose” stranded cats out of trees (News, 11 September). This apparently came in response to information that firefighters in Scotland spent £1 million last year on hundreds of “absurdly wasteful” animal rescues.

I have been in communication with Mr Johnstone and he assures me he did not suggest this form of action. However, as a retired fire professional I would suggest that when such incidents are reported to the fire and rescue service, a dynamic risk assessment is carried out before any such incident would be undertaken.

As well as the basic objectives of saving life and protecting property, the fire and rescue service has historically also undertaken “to provide humanitarian service”. The types of incident that the article described may to some people seem be “trivial”, however in most cases the situation of the animal and the distress it is under will also cause the owner considerable stress and anxiety. It is for this reason that the fire and rescue service will respond. No firefighter will be put at risk for the sake of an animal, particularly “cats up trees”.

I believe the alleged advice “to hose stranded cats out of trees” is very unfortunate and anyone following this advice may find themselves subject to prosecution under animal protection legislation; and rightly so in my opinion.

Bob Bertram, Pathhead