Cats and local wildlife in Amsterdam set to benefit from new miniature staircases being instituted alongside its waterways.
In a bid to make Amsterdam's waterways more wildlife-friendly, the city has approved a plan to install small wooden staircases, known as Kattenklimtreden (Cat Climbing Steps), along its canal walls. This initiative follows the success of a similar project in Amersfoort, where around 300 ladders have already been installed earlier this year.
The project aims to reduce animal suffering by providing a safe means for animals to escape from the canals. The city will finance the project using an unused €100,000 fund from its biodiversity plan. Amsterdam collaborates with the animal welfare group Dierenambulance to identify high-risk spots for installation.
The canals, while beautiful, can be hazardous for animals that accidentally fall in due to their steep, slippery embankments. In the last six months, 19 cats have drowned in Amsterdam's canals, with six of them in the city centre.
The proposal for the project was made by Judith Krom, a member of the Party for the Animals (PvdD). She stated that the adopted motion demonstrates Amsterdam's commitment to protecting animal lives. Hundreds of small wooden staircases are planned for installation across Amsterdam later this year, benefiting small creatures such as ducks and hedgehogs.
Currently, only two Dutch cities — Amsterdam and Amersfoort — are known to have implemented or plan to implement small animal escape steps along their canals. Amersfoort plans to continue installing about 300 ladders per year as part of a broader animal welfare program.
The Netherlands is leading the way in animal welfare and sustainable urban living with initiatives like these. The city of Amsterdam's installation of small escape steps is part of a broader initiative to make its waterways more wildlife-friendly.
In Amersfoort, the installations are being done with the help of an animal ambulance, a research agency, and residents from Vathorst and other areas. Johnas van Lammeren, Amersfoort councillor, has stated that the installations aim to prevent animal suffering by providing a means for animals to escape from the canals.
As of now, no other Dutch cities have been reported to have adopted or announced similar canal escape steps initiatives. However, the success in Amsterdam and Amersfoort is likely to inspire other cities to follow suit.
References: [1] Amsterdam to install cat climbing steps in canals to prevent drownings [2] Amsterdam to install cat climbing steps in canals to prevent drownings [3] Amsterdam’s plan to install cat climbing steps in canals [4] Amersfoort to build 300 ladders along canals to prevent wildlife drownings [5] Dutch cities install cat climbing steps in canals to prevent drownings
- The project in Amsterdam, aimed at making the city's waterways more wildlife-friendly, intends to reduce animal suffering by providing a safe escape for animals from the canals.
- The success of the Cat Climbing Steps in Amersfoort has influenced Amsterdam to finance a similar initiative using an unused €100,000 fund from its biodiversity plan.
- By adopting the motion proposed by Judith Krom of the Party for the Animals, Amsterdam demonstrates its commitment to environmental-science and animal welfare, planning to install hundreds of small wooden staircases later this year.
- Inspired by Amsterdam and Amersfoort, other Dutch cities might be encouraged to follow suit, promoting a lifestyle that prioritizes home-and-garden and eco-friendly solutions for the benefit of local wildlife.
