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Lost cats less likely to get home than dogs, data shows
Only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year.
Statistics from Battersea show unmicrochipped cats often aren’t returned home.

Lost cats are almost three times less likely to be returned to their owners than lost dogs, data from animal welfare charity Battersea has revealed.

The data also showed that 59 per cent of cats that were brought into its shelters last year were not microchipped, compared to just 21 per cent of dogs.

This has meant that only 40 lost cats were returned to their homes last year, while microchipping has led to 474 dogs being reunited with their owners.

The data comes after the Government introduced new legislation which means it is compulsory for cats in the UK to be microchipped. The new rules mean that cat owners have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their pet and ensure up-to-date contact details are stored on the microchipping database.

Bridie Williams, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea’s London cattery, said: “At Battersea, we know that losing a pet under any circumstances is a unique kind of pain. That’s why we were delighted to see the Government announce that all pet cats will soon have to be microchipped by law – legislation that we know will go a long way in ensuring more happy pet-owner reunions.

“However, we sadly still see many unchipped cats arriving at our centres, with no way of knowing whether these animals are strays or simply much-loved pets who have wandered too far from home.”

Battersea is urging cat owners not to delay with microchipping their cat or updating microchip details, as not doing this can leave them unable to reunite them with their pet if it arrives at one of their centres.

Bridie Williams said: “We’d urge owners not to wait until 2024 and speak to their vet or local rescue organisation about getting their cat chipped straight away. It is without doubt the most effective way of sparing yourself any future heartache in the distressing scenario they do go missing.” 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.