Good Morning Britain's Ed Balls couldn't hide his shock as a heated debate on the possible cat ban in Scotland sparked off on the show, leaving viewers fiercely split over the contentious issue. The 57-year-old telly presenter didn't hold back, peppering the conversation with remarks that betrayed his complete bewilderment at SNP ministers mulling over laws to prohibit cats in specific districts. Ed made no secret of his stance as he and co-host Susanna Reid braced for an intense discussion about the potential benefits of such a ban.

The show was rocked by his exclamation: "Has the world gone mad," as he visibly disagreed with the notion. SNP officials are currently flirting with the concept of creating 'containment zones', where cat owners would be banned from letting their feline friends outdoors, all in an effort to defend birds and other creatures in the wild, reports the Manchester Evening News. According to The Mail on Sunday, another scenario being explored for these zones could even involve banning cat ownership entirely in those areas.

This provocative idea comes to the Scottish Government following a report that highlighted cats' significant impact on various local bird species and wildlife. These proposed "cat containment areas" are intended for spaces deemed most crucial for protecting wildlife, and the ministers are now giving this notion serious consideration. Ahead of the debate and aiming to tap into public opinion about outlawing cats in Scotland, Susanna queried audiences of Good Morning Britain: "Should we consider banning cats. To stop them harming birds?".

She remarked: "The Scottish Government is considering so called containment zones where people would be forced to keep their cats indoors to stop them attacking animals when they're playing." The presenter then encouraged viewers: "Let us know what you think?" Ed couldn't hold back, exclaiming: "Has the world gone mad? You're watching Good Morning Britain on ITV1, lets go to debate that nonsense in a moment.".

A poll conducted by the ITV show revealed that 75% of viewers are against the idea of confining cats. Meanwhile, over on platform X, opinions were starkly split. Some viewers supported the idea, commenting: "Good idea, cats killing the birds and c*****g all over my garden # gmb." (sic). Another viewer expressed frustration: "#GMB 'Ban cats to protect wildlife'? A better question would've been about the fact cats are allowed to come into MY garden, kill birds, then do their business in the grass/flowerbeds. It is DISGUSTING - irresponsible owners! Why should WE have to clean it up?" (sic).

However, many were outraged at the thought of such restrictions on cats, with one person venting: "What am I watching! ? Scotland makes its law to Lock your cats up to stop them preying on birds? #Peta #GMB @GMB." (sic). Another pleaded: "Leave cats alone #GMB." (sic). And a third highlighted the unfairness, stating: "All cats don't kill wildlife. My ragdoll have never killed wildlife. He's 18 now and still terrified of birds ... even small ones who come up next to him and have no worries. They clearly know he's no threat. Cat not interested.#gmb." (sic).