Why the Government should introduce a cat tax - Yorkshire Post Letters

Governments are always looking for ways to raise taxes to pay for their numerous mistakes and not-so-bright ideas. Here is one I and many others would welcome. A cat tax.

There are 12.5 million cats in the UK. Owning a cat costs £800-£1,500 a year and covers food, insurance, normal vet care and other bits and pieces. The starting costs for a new cat are £200-£500.

However emergency vet bills could add £500-£3,000 periodically throughout the cat's 15-year lifespan. Each cat in the UK kills more than 15 to 34 birds and animals each year.

If owners can afford cats, some numerous cats, then they can afford a licence of say £200 a year of which £100 could be given to a bird charity. An annual licence fee of £200 per cat would raise £2.5bn. Do I hear £300? Any advance on £300?

One of the great mysteries of life. Why do cats always mess in other people's gardens?