Dutch city tries to mend their relationship with animals after the tragic drowning of 19 in the last six months in their channels.
Last six months, at least 19 Cats died drowned in the Amsterdam channels, according to data from Dierenambulance Amsterdam. In the central city alone, six were removed from lifeless water.
The nearby capital, known for its extensive channel network, faces a ancient problem: narrow margins and steep walls make it difficult for animals – and even people – can get out of water in case of falling. But it is trying to solve it as simply as possible.
To combat this situation, the City Council approved, on July 10, the installation of dozens of mini woods along the banks. The proposal came from Judith Krom of the Animal Party, which suggested using 100,000 non -spending on the Municipal Biodiversity Fund to create escape routes for urban fauna.
“A simple measure can avoid enormous animal suffering,” Krom told the newspaper.
The stairs will be placed later this year, in places identified as of higher risk, with the help of Dierenambence. The idea is to allow not only cats, but also other animals, to be able to escape more easily from the channels.
Maggie Ruitenberg of Katten Kenniscentrum recalls that, although they know how to swim, cats are quickly in danger when the soaked coat pulls them down. “A ladder can save their lives as long as there is enough of them,” he told Euronews.
And Amsterdam is not alone. The neighboring city of Amersfoort It has already announced the installation of about 300 similar structures – nicknamed “cat traps” – which, despite the frightening name, actually act as output points for lying on water.
The problem does not only affect felines. Between 2014 and 2024, 142 people drowned in the channels of Amsterdammany of them tourists in a state of drunkenness unable to return to the land. Some recent margin renewals include human security protrusions. Now cats will also have an adapted solution.
