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Ministers back feline microchipping campaign
"We were delighted to have welcomed so many politicians online to discuss this important animal welfare issue" - Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection.
More than 50 MPs and peers attend virtual discussion hosted by Cats Protection.

Animal welfare campaigners have expressed their delight after ministers backed a campaign calling for compulsory microchipping of pet cats.

Leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection has been calling for microchipping to become compulsory for pet cats, as it already is for dogs. Indeed, a petition launched by the charity has garnered more than 36,000 signatures.

Last week (20 October), the charity held a virtual event for politicians to discuss how microchipping could significantly improve feline welfare in the UK. The event was attended by more than 50 MPs and peers from across different parties, including animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith.

Cats Protection’s head of advocacy and government relations Jacqui Cuff said: “Microchipping is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, and is already compulsory for dogs. Ensuring microchipping is compulsory for cats would give them the same level of protection and improve their welfare.

“We were delighted to have welcomed so many politicians online to discuss this important animal welfare issue and look forward to working together in the future.”

According to figures from the latest CATS (Cats And Their Stats) report, there are more than 2.6 million cats in the UK that are not microchipped.

Earlier this year, the government launched a call for evidence to understand the consequences of making microchipping of cats compulsory in England. This included how microchipping all cats would apply to feral or stray cats, how the government could make and enforce the rule and experiences with compliant microchip databases.

Ministers are expected to consult on this issue before the end of 2020.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.