The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Feline Strays in the Venice Area (2020–2022) in the Experience of Cat Rescue Organization Volunteers

Abstract This short communication introduces the reader to challenges faced by a cat rescue organization (Dingo-Venezia ONLUS ) operating in the Venice area during and after the COVID -19 pandemic restrictions. The area around Venice houses more than 1,500 cat colonies, in the mainland and in a number of densely inhabited isles. During COVID -19 restrictions, providing for animals was recognized as a legitimate cause to circulate, but there was uncertainty about the procedure to obtain such recognition. Volunteers chose to go and feed the animals nonetheless, even with the risk of incurring legal consequences. During restrictions, there was an increase of cat adoption demands, but also in cat relinquishment, and a general decrease in donations due to the economic crisis. Although not reporting experimentally sourced data, this paper affords the reader an informed insight into the challenges due to COVID -19 restriction, directly from the experience of an established Italian cat rescue organization.