Dutch ban new ownership of Sphynx and Scottish Fold cats

Two controversial breeds of cat will be banned as pets from next year, “to prevent unnecessary animal suffering”, caretaker junior nature minister Jean Rummenie has said.

Breeding the Scottish Fold and the hairless Sphynx has been prohibited since 2014, and the cats can no longer be bought through official channels.

The ban affects cats that were born after January 1 and cats which have not had a chip implant. Owners will be fined €1,500 if caught, which the ministry hopes will act as a deterrent. Competition or shows featuring the cats will also be banned.

People who already have a Fold or Sphynx will have to be able to prove the animal was in their possession before the ban by showing official papers or microchip data.

Folds, so-called because of their folded ears, are known to suffer from cartilage problems which can impede their movements while Sphynxes are sensitive to cold and skin infections.

Former Sphynx breeder Svetlana Dimtcheva said the animals “don’t suffer” and that the breed is now in danger of extinction. “Animal welfare is important. You have to help these cats regulate their body temperature. I never had a cat that was burned by the sun,” she told the Telegraaf.

The ban will increase the number of cats brought in from abroad and unscrupulous breeders will not let the rules stop them, she said.