Environment Secretary
has today (Sat 12 Oct) launched call for
evidence on cat microchipping as part of plans which could help
reunite lost cats with their owners, tackle pet theft and
identify cats injured or killed on roads.
The government is seeking to find out what the
effect of mandatory cat microchipping would be on owners, rescue
and rehoming centres and cats themselves. The call for evidence
will last for 12 weeks and respondents are being encouraged to
respond as soon as possible.
Environment
Secretary, , said:
“Today’s call for evidence on cat
microchipping will help the government understand how we can
better protect this country’s much-loved cats and kittens.
“This government is committed to animal
welfare and improving the lives of our companion animals.
“Today’s announcement builds on a series of
positive actions we have taken to improve welfare standards in
this country, including a ban on the third-party sale of puppies and kittens and a
commitment to increase maximum sentencing for animal cruelty from
six months to five years.”
The process of microchipping involves the
insertion of a chip, generally around the size of a grain of
rice, painlessly under the skin of a pet. The microchip has a
unique serial number which can be read by a scanner. When an
animal strays or is lost, scanning the microchip means the
registered owner can be identified and the pet can be reunited
with them.
Although microchipping is a legal requirement
for dogs, it is not currently required for cats unless they are
travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme. Compulsory dog
microchipping was introduced in April 2016 and statistics show
that 92% of dogs are now microchipped. As a result of compulsory
microchipping, displaced dogs have been reunited with their
owners much quicker, reducing the time they spend in rehoming
kennels and reducing owner and animal distress.
Cats Protection's Chief
Executive, James
Yeates, said:
“Cats Protection, the UK’s leading cat welfare
charity, welcomes this call for evidence on cat
microchipping. Microchipping is an essential part of
responsible pet ownership, yet each year we still take in
thousands of cats which have not been microchipped. The majority
of strays we take in are unchipped and so we are usually unable
to trace an owner so the cats have to be rehomed.
"Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to
give a lost cat the best chance of being returned to their home.
People tell us how knowing their cat is microchipped gives them
reassurance, and it also ensures owners can be informed in the
sad event of their cat being injured or killed on the
road."
Compulsory dog microchipping was introduced in
England through the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations
2015 (the 2015 Regulations). The aim was to improve the welfare
of dogs and help reduce issues related to stray dogs.
