Cat owners across the UK could face a £500 fine under new government plans requiring all domestic cats to be microchipped. The measure is expected to impact up to 10 million cats.
The proposed rule aims to help reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners and comes amid a surge in pet thefts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of lockdowns, around 3.2 million UK households have acquired a pet, according to recent figures.
With the sharp rise in pet ownership, thefts have also increased. Reports show a 12.3% rise in pet thefts during the pandemic. In one recent case, a dog owner received a call from an unknown person demanding £1,000 for the safe return of their missing pet.
Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, along with 50 Tory MPs, is pushing for stronger penalties in the new policing bill. “Thieves can make a lot of money with little risk,” he said. “If they can make £15,000 in a day, a £250 fine is not a deterrent.”
Microchipping is a quick and permanent way to identify pets. A chip, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under the animal’s skin. It holds a unique code that links to the owner’s contact information.
Vets, local authorities, or trained professionals from animal welfare groups like Cats Protection can perform the procedure. The cost of microchipping a cat in the UK typically ranges from £20 to £30, depending on location.The government believes this move will help deter theft and give lost pets the best chance of returning home.
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