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Amsterdam is set to enhance the safety of its beloved canal system by installing hundreds of small escape staircases for animals. This initiative comes in response to a concerning rise in accidental drownings, particularly among pets, with 19 cats reported to have drowned this year alone.
The city’s council has allocated €100,000 (approximately $109,000) to implement this thoughtful plan, inspired by a similar program in the Dutch city of Amersfoort. In June, Amersfoort introduced 300 wooden ladders along its canals, allowing animals to easily climb out of the water. The success of this initiative prompted Amsterdam’s Party for the Animals (PvdD) to advocate for a similar solution in their city.
To ensure the staircases are placed where they are needed most, Amsterdam will collaborate with the animal welfare organization Dierenambulance. This partnership will help identify the canal locations where small animals, particularly cats, are most at risk of drowning after accidental falls.
The new staircases are not only aimed at protecting animals; they also address human safety concerns. On average, 14 people drown in Amsterdam’s canals each year, with a significant number of incidents involving foreign tourists. While recent renovations have introduced ledges and safety features for humans, the addition of animal escape routes represents a compassionate approach to improving overall safety in the waterways.
This initiative, though seemingly modest, has the potential for a substantial impact on the safety of both animals and humans in the city. With the installation of these ladders, Amsterdam is taking a proactive step towards fostering a safer environment for all its inhabitants.
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