The city has allocated up to €100,000 from an unused biodiversity fund to create these animal escape routes, following reports that 19 cats drowned in local canals over the past six months.
The project was proposed by Judith Krom of the Party for the Animals and supported by Amsterdam’s councillor for animal welfare, Zita Pels, who noted that funding had previously been a barrier. The City Council approved the plan on 10 July.
Focus on high-risk areas
Working with animal rescue organisation Dierenambulance Amsterdam, the city will identify high-risk locations to build the staircases later this year.
Krom said the initiative is a “simple measure” that could prevent “enormous animal suffering” and shows the city’s commitment to protecting animals.
Animal welfare programme
Nearby Amersfoort is also installing around 300 cat stairs along its canals as part of a wider animal welfare programme, aiming to reduce drownings in areas with steep quay walls. Both cities hope these measures will make canals safer for small animals.
