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Government launches cat microchipping consultation
The government is seeking views on mandatory cat microchipping.

Views sought on the effect of compulsory microchipping on owners, rescue centres and cats

The UK government has launched a call for evidence to understand the consequences of making microchipping of cats compulsory in England.

Ministers are seeking to find out what the effect of mandatory microchipping would be on owners, rescue and rehoming centres and cats themselves. The consultation will last 12 weeks and respondents are being urged to reply as soon as possible.

“Today’s call for evidence on cat microchipping will help the government understand how we can better protect this country’s much-loved cats and kittens,” said environment secretary, Theresa Villiers. “This government is committed to animal welfare and improving the lives of our companion animals.

“Today’s announcement builds on a series of positive actions we have taken to improve welfare standards in this country, including a ban on the third-party sale of puppies and kittens and a commitment to increase maximum sentencing for animal cruelty from six months to five years.”


While microchipping became compulsory for dogs in 2016, it is not currently required for cats unless they are travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme. Figures show that 92 per cent of dogs are now microchipped, with missing dogs being reunited with their owners faster and spending less time in kennels.


Welcoming the call for evidence on cat microchipping, Cats Protection’s chief executive, James Yeates said: “Microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, yet each year we still take in thousands of cats which have not been microchipped. The majority of strays we take in are unchipped and so we are usually unable to trace an owner and the cats have to be rehomed.


“Microchipping is a safe and permanent way to give a lost cat the best chance of being returned to their home. People tell us how knowing their cat is microchipped gives them reassurance, and it also ensures owners can be informed in the sad event of their cat being injured or killed on the road.”

The consultation will remain open until 5 pm on 4 January 2020.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.