To ensure cats donโt get lost and strays are identified, the UK government passed legislation making cat microchipping compulsory. All kittens must be microchipped before 20 weeks.
The rules donโt apply to โfree living cats,โ such as farm, feral, or community cats. Pet parents failing to microchip their felines could face a fine of up to ยฃ500 (โฌ570/$608). The new regulation will be enforced on 10 June 2024.
โLegislating for compulsory microchipping of cats will [comfort] families by increasing the likelihood that lost or stray pets can be reunited with their owners,โ said Thรฉrรจse Coffey, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Key Facts
:
More than 2 million cats are not chipped: There are more than 9 million cats in England, with 2.3 million yet to be chipped. In 2019, 99% of public submissions supported mandatory chipping to ensure cat welfare.
Added strain: The British Veterinary Association (BVA) highlighted concerns about increased administrative burdens on vet practices. They urge for a single access point to animal database records.
Similar Rulings
:
US: Houston and 12 other states have made microchipping mandatory for dogs and cats.
Japan: In 2022, a law required breeders and pet stores to microchip pets.
Turkey: By December 2022, Turkey required all pets to be microchipped, adding over 1.4 million pets to the PetVet system.
Call to Action
:
This new regulation is a significant step in ensuring our feline friends‘ safety. Microchipping reduces the risk of lost pets and helps reunite them with their owners. Visit Petfessor.com for more pet care tips and to explore our smart pet products. Let’s create a safer and happier future for our pets!
Share your thoughts and stories with us, and letโs celebrate the joy pets bring into our lives!
No comment