Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th October 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.