Catownersdelight
Dear Editor,
The UK Government have now published the responses and their response to the compulsory microchipping of cats following a call for evidence and consultation on the issue, in which 99 per cednt of respondents to our recent survey expressed support for the measure.
We are the group that worked with Rehman Chishti MP on the Cats Bill, which was the Bill taken on by DEFRA a little before the prorogation of Parliament.
It’s taken three years but at last it is official.
The Bill was for reportable road accidents and compulsory microchipping.
However, it was agreed for cats to be reported following a road accident, cats must first be microchipped so they are identifiable.
We very much look forward to working with Ministers next year on the reporting side.
We are absolutely thrilled the UK Government have taken concerns on board and will finally be bringing cats in line with their canine counterparts.
Today marks the beginning of cats rights and protections being enshrined in law.
Microchipping is a cat’s only voice when they leave the safety of their own four walls, and now thousands of cats will be easily identifiable and be able to be returned to their family should they get lost.
As stated previously, DEFRA will continue to work with us on the many issues facing deceased cats collected by local councils, an issue we have campaigned on for many years and continue to work with local authorities to ensure cats are treated with dignity and respect, and owners receive the closure they need when sadly the worst happens.
Vets are only obliged to administer pain relief, which means, if a cat is brought to a vet following a road accident, with no identifying chip, they might not treat the cat further.
Microchipping ensures that owners can be contacted and treatment given to the cat, which could be the difference between life and death.
We tragically hear often how cats have been euthanized, with very treatable injuries, simply because no owner could be located either due to no microchip or the details on a microchip being incorrect.
The very best way to ensure your cat receives every chance of survival in the event of an accident, is to microchip and keep details up to date. The Government have ensured many lives will be saved as a result of this legislation.
Cats Matter charity
The heartbroken family of a beloved Wishaw husband and dad have paid tribute to him after he passed away suddenly last week. Long-distance lorry driver Richard Munro, known to friends as Big Stan, died at the age of just 50 while working in Northern Ireland on November 22. The dad-oftwo, married to wife Annette for 26 years, was laid to rest over the weekend.
What a lovely guy you were Stan.
Thinking of Annette, Ryan and Chloe at this time.
Sandra McBride Armstrong
Deepest sympathy to the Munro family.
Jean Mullen
RIP Stan. God bless you and your family.
Margaret Lennon
Police have clamped down on speeding motorists in one area of Shotts. Following recent complaints from residents, officers from the Community Policing Team have been conducting road stops and speed checks in the areas of Dyfrig Street and Hunter Street.
They need to come up to Carluke and will make a fortune.
Everyone ignoring the new 20mph zone treating Wilton Road like a race track.
Goremire Road is no better.
We’ve already had four people injured in an accident in under a month.
How many accidents does it take for the police to take action?
Stewart Young
Pather is bad as well. Nearly every morning at 3am cars speeding and reving their engines.
Karen Haughey
A young Wishaw cadet is celebrating after completing his Air Pilot Scheme course. Lewis McCallum completed 12 hours of flying at the Tayside Aviation Centre gaining his Gold Aviation badge.
Well done son. You’ve came a long way in a short time. All the best to you. Margaret Lawley