VFN is discussing a solution to the situation of cats at Apolinář
The General Hospital, headed by the director, doc. Ján Dudra, takes the situation of wild cats in the U Apolináře area very seriously and is looking for a solution that will be safe for the operation of the maternity hospital and other workplaces caring for vulnerable patients, while also respecting the welfare of the animals.
""I perceive the topic of cats at Apolinář as sensitive and I understand that it evokes emotions. However, the VFN is responsible for the safe operation of the maternity hospital and other healthcare facilities. Therefore, we are negotiating with the relevant institutions and professional partners about a solution that will respect the hospital's hygiene regime, animal welfare and will be sustainable in the long term," says the director of the General Hospital, doc. MUDr. Ján Dudra, Ph.D., MPH.
In recent days, local investigations and negotiations have taken place with the participation of the General Hospital, the Prague City Hall, the Prague 2 district, the city veterinary administration, the Prague City Hygiene Station and other professional partners. The General Hospital wants to proceed in cooperation with the state administration, local government and experts, not under the pressure of emotions or unilateral interpretations.
The aim is to set a clear, controlled and professionally managed regime. The negotiations are also considering the possibility of one controlled monitoring feeding point, which would have precisely defined rules, limited feeding time, a responsible person or organization that would ensure consistent preparation and subsequent cleaning of the feed, and follow-up on monitoring, trapping, castration and other care. It would therefore not be a matter of spontaneous care or of freely leaving feed on the premises. At the same time, the VFN emphasizes that it is not prohibited to give water to the animal on the premises. However, feeding animals is prohibited, not only cats, but all animals. Leftover feed on the premises of the medical facility attracts rodents, insects and other animals and worsens the hygiene situation. The hygiene statement, which clearly states that it is not appropriate to concentrate activities that support or increase the number of stray cats on the premises of the Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, must be respected (see appendix). The reason is hygiene and epidemiological risks, especially in relation to pregnant women, newborns, premature babies and patients with weakened immunity.
VFN will continue to negotiate with the City of Prague, Prague 2, the veterinary administration and other professional partners so that the situation calms down and the next step is safe, humane and, above all, sustainable in the long term. At the same time, VFN will look for a professional partner from state institutions who would take over the coordination of cat care. Long-term management of the wild animal population is not the task of a healthcare facility. However, VFN is ready to provide cooperation for an agreed, safe and humane step.
