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Many people unaware of new cat microchipping law
The new law will require all pet cats in England to be microchipped after they reach 20 weeks of age.
RSPCA issues warning to cat owners about new microchipping legislation.

According to RSPCA research conducted at the end of May, 47 per cent of adults in England are not aware of the new cat microchipping law that comes into force from 10 June 2024.

The charity is warning pet owners that if they are found not to have microchipped their cat, they will have 21 days to get one implanted or risk facing a fine of £500.

The new legislation was announced in March and requires all pet cats in England to be microchipped after they reach 20 weeks of age. Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database. The new law does not apply to unowned or feral cats.

The charity has also reported that 83 per cent of cats brought into its animal centres in England and Wales in 2022 were not microchipped. 

Samantha Watson, scientific officer at the RSPCA said: “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. 

“We are hopeful that alongside increasing the number of lost or injured cats reunited with their owners, the new law will help to tackle other common welfare issues for cats, including abandonments.”

The RSPCA’s survey showed that the new microchipping law is supported by the majority of the public, with 75 per cent of adults in England agreeing that the legislation is a positive development for cat welfare. 

The charity is hopeful that Wales will follow England and introduce compulsory microchipping for cats. 

Ms Watson said: “Seven in ten adults in Wales agree that mandatory microchipping would improve cat welfare in Wales.  

“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.”

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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. 

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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.