Microchip your moggie – or you could face a fine
CAT owners who fail to have their pet microchipped could be fined or prosecuted under rules being proposed by ministers.
The Government plans to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats to subject them to the same safety measures that already apply to dogs.
Ministers believe the move will help to combat cat theft and identify pets which are injured or killed on roads.
It follows controversy after the policy came in for dogs in 2016 because owners were fined up to £500 for failing to comply. This time, ministers are calling for owners to microchip their cats before they force them to do so following a consultation.
The consultation is looking into the effects of making the move mandatory on owners, rescue centres and on cats. The closing date for evidence is January 4.
A spokesman for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said: ‘This Government has always urged cat owners to microchip their pets as the right thing to do as responsible pet owners and is now taking steps to introduce compulsory cat microchipping to give pet owners peace of mind, help tackle cat theft and identify cats injured or killed on roads.’ Zac Goldsmith, animal welfare minister, added: ‘Microchips are often the only hope of reuniting lost pets with their owners so it truly is the best New Year’s resolution you could make to protect your furry friend in 2020.’
Since compulsory dog microchipping was introduced, 92 per cent of dogs are now microchipped. It is only mandatory for cats involved in the Pet Travel Scheme.
Cats Protection reported that, during 2018, eight out of ten stray cats handed in to its adoption centres in England were unchipped. Jacqui Cuff, from the charity, which already microchips animals that are being rehomed, said: ‘It is a safe and permanent form of identification. Microchipping ensures lost cats can quickly be returned home and that owners can be informed if their cat is injured and taken to a vet.’
But Paula Boyden, veterinary director at the charity Dogs Trust said that, of the microchipped dogs seized last year, 69 per cent could not be reunited because of incorrect contact details.
She said: ‘We see first hand the heartbreak that dog owners suffer when they are separated from their pets, as well as the joy of being reunited. This is why it is so important that owners keep their details up to date. Doing so significantly increases the chances of a lost or stolen dog being reunited with their owner.’
‘Helps tackle pet theft’