RSPCA WARNS ENGLISH CAT OWNERS OVER INCOMING MICROCHIPPING LAW

The RSPCA has issued an ‘urgent’ reminder to English cat owners about an incoming microchipping law which could land them a hefty fine if not followed.

The animal rights charity has warned people in England that they could soon be breaking the law if their cats aren’t microchipped.

A year before the law comes into force (June 10 2024), the RSPCA has conducted a survey of 2,141 adults in England and Wales.

The research found that almost half (47%) of adults in England were not aware of the new cat microchipping law.

The news comes as the charity reveals 78% of cats that were brought into its animal centres in the south of England in 2022 were not microchipped.

What is the new cat microchipping law?

The new legislation, which was announced in March this year, will require owners to microchip pet cats before they reach 20 weeks of age.

From June 10 2024, they will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database.

Owners who are found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to get one implanted or they may face a fine of up to £500.

Despite the lack of awareness about the incoming law, the results showed an ‘overwhelming’ level of public support for the new microchipping laws, the RSPCA said.

Over three-quarters of adults in England agreed that this is a positive development for cat welfare, according to the RSPCA’s study.

Samantha Watson, scientific officer and cat welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “The countdown is truly on to get your cats microchipped and steer clear of those hefty fines.

“This month is also National Microchipping Month, so what better time to get your cat chipped and make sure your friends and family are aware of the incoming law too”.

Microchipping in England will not be compulsory for unowned cats.

Will the cat microchipping law apply to Wales?

The RSPCA has said that it is “thrilled” to see cat microchipping laws being introduced in England.

The charity has also commented to say it is “hopeful” that the Welsh Government will act and introduce compulsory microchipping for cats in Wales too.

“Seven in ten adults in Wales agree that mandatory microchipping would improve cat welfare in Wales⁴.” Samantha continued.

“Which goes to show the public are heavily in favour of introducing microchipping laws, it’s just down to the Welsh government now to take action.”

How does microchipping work

Microchipping is when a tiny implant is inserted under a pet’s skin that gives them a unique code to help identify them.

The microchip can be scanned and then matched to the owner’s contact details, which are kept on a national database.

Many types of pets can be microchipped including dogs, cats, rabbits and horses.

Samantha Watson added: “Microchipping is an absolutely essential component of being a responsible pet owner.

“This new law means that lost cats can be easily identified and reunited with their owners, rather than being handed to rehoming charities who are struggling with overflowing waiting lists.

Is microchipping painful for pets?

Samantha explained: “Microchipping is a very easy and painless procedure which involves a tiny microchip being quickly and simply inserted under the animal’s skin and this then gives the pet their own unique code.

“The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details which are kept on a database. We believe the optimum time to microchip a cat is when they are neutered as a kitten at around four-months-old and under anaesthetic.

“If an owner moves house or changes their telephone number they must also make sure that they tell the database they are registered with so that they have up-to-date contact details.

“If the information on that database is old and out-of-date then the chip is useless. Telling your vet does not automatically update the details on the database but this is something you can do yourself online.”

Learn more about microchipping your pet via the RSPCA website.

Do dogs legally have to be microchipped?

Until the law changes on June 10 2024, dogs are the only animal that legally needs to be microchipped.

Dog owners need to fit their dog with a microchip before it is 8 weeks old in England or risk being fined up to £500.

The law varies slightly in Scotland and Wales.

A dog can be microchipped by a trained professional, like a vet.