Sheffield mum launches petition to ban 'cat spikes'

The mum, who we are not naming to protect her identity, says her neighbour has installed the spikes on the border fence she shares with them without her consent.

The spikes are intended to deter cats and other animals from entering a property, but the woman says the hard plastic type chosen by her neighbour are cruel and could injure her pets or even her children.

A petition she set up to ask the Government to ban this type of spike and only allow the more humane rubber ones to be used has since attracted more than 300 signatures.

On the change.org website, she writes: “At the heart of this petition is my little girl, she was the one who said ‘mummy, we need to stop them’, after she was devastated they were put on our fence.

“As a family we adore animals and just want to make the world safe for them. We are now having to fight to get the spikes changed to safe rubber ones and each of your signatures is helping.

“Please keep sharing for us and signing, to help not only us but other animals and families with pets.”

The mum says she is currently fighting with Sheffield Council to get the spikes removed, and has also informed the police, but the authorities have so far determined it to be a civil matter.

And she says she even offered to buy some of the alternative rubber spikes and fit them herself but claims her neighbour flatly refused.

“I have two young children and their safety is not being taken into consideration when we have a trampoline next to these spikes,” she said.

“Plastic spikes are sold from a variety of places but are not regulated and until your pet or child actually harm themselves on them, they can’t be removed.

“This is ridiculous, I have to wait for a massive vet bill or my children to be harmed before I can get them removed.”

To find out more or sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/the-government-cat-spikes-to-be-made-illegal-in-the-u-k-only-humane-rubber-ones-to-be-used.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.