A new law with implications for all cat owners is set to take effect next year, bringing enhanced safety measures for our feline companions.
Under the new regulation, every cat must be microchipped, complete with current contact details of their owners. Failing to comply with this requirement could lead to a fine of £500. The microchipping procedure must be carried out before cats reach the age of 20 weeks.
All cat owners are mandated to have their feline friends microchipped by the deadline of June 10, 2024. Those discovered without proper microchipping will have a grace period of 21 days to rectify the situation by implanting a microchip, lest they face the financial penalty. This legislation aims to simplify the process of reuniting lost or stray cats with their rightful owners, ensuring a safe return home.
Microchipping involves the insertion of a small chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, beneath a pet’s skin. The chip possesses a unique serial number that the owner must register in a designated database. When an animal is found, the microchip can be read using a scanner, allowing the registered keeper’s identity to be swiftly ascertained from the database, thereby facilitating a prompt reunion with the pet.
However, this new requirement will not be applicable to free-living cats that exhibit minimal human interaction or dependence, including farm cats, feral cats, or those within community settings. Owners of already microchipped cats must ensure that their details are kept current and accurate.
In England, the feline population stands at over 9 million, with an estimated 2.3 million currently without microchips. This poses a significant challenge in terms of reuniting lost or stolen cats with their owners. The introduction of these new microchipping regulations follows a comprehensive Government consultation, during which a staggering 99% of respondents voiced their support for this initiative.
Thérèse Coffey, the Environment Secretary, commented on the matter, stating, “Cats and kittens are beloved family members, and the loss or theft of a pet can be a heart-wrenching experience for their owners. Enforcing the compulsory microchipping of cats will provide reassurance to families by increasing the chances of reuniting lost or stray pets with their rightful owners.”
