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Microchips reunite more cats with families
The RSPCA says that these cases highlight just how important microchipping is, as all four had been microchipped.

Success prompts RSPCA reminder of incoming microchip law.

The RSPCA is reminding cat owners of the incoming microchipping law, after four missing cats were reunited with their families after being scanned.

The law, which comes into effect from 10 June 2024, will mean it is mandatory for cats to be microchipped once they reach 20 weeks old. However, research from the RSPCA in May this year revealed that 47 per cent of adults in England were not aware of the law.

The RSPCA says that these cases highlight just how important microchipping is, as all four had been microchipped.

In each case, the RSPCA was able to scan the microchip in order to reunite the missing cat with its family as soon as possible.

One of the missing cats was six-year-old Oreo, who was missing for nine months after getting away from his owners during a house move.

The RSPCA was called out to reports of an unfamiliar and injured cat in a garden which, after scanning the microchip, was revealed to be Oreo.

Although Oreo’s injured leg had to be amputated, his owners were shocked and pleased to be reunited with him in their new home after so long.

Another cat, Will, was found trapped on a roof just over a mile away from his home after going missing nine days previously.

After being retrieved by fire and rescue officers, he was scanned for a microchip and quickly reunited with his owners.

RSPCA animal collection officer, Shane Lynch said: “It’s wonderful, although a little unusual, for us to be able to reunite four cats in just a matter of weeks - but it’s all thanks to the fact their owners had got them microchipped.

“Success stories like these show just how important these tiny chips can be. It’s disheartening collecting a cat who has strayed or got injured, who you suspect has a loving owner, but if they aren’t microchipped or wearing a collar it makes the job of tracing their family all the more difficult.

“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.”

Images (C) RSPCA

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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.