Over ten per cent surveyed unaware of cat microchip law
The cat microchipping law has been in place since June 2024.
An online survey from RSPCA has revealed that one in ten people are unaware of the cat microchipping law.
The results also showed widespread concern for the costs of the procedure, as well as difficulties with obtaining an appointment.
The survey comes six months after it became a legal requirement in England for cats over 20 weeks old to be microchipped. Only feral, farm or unowned cats are exempt from this law. Pet owners that do not microchip their cat could face a fine of up to £500 fine.
However the recent poll, answered by animal welfare supporters online, revealed that 11 per cent were not aware of the cat microchipping law.
The survey also found concerns about the process of microchipping a cat. Over a third of respondents said that their most common challenge to microchipping a cat was the cost of the procedure.
Twenty-one per cent did not believe that their indoor cat needed to be microchipped, while 17 per cent said that they struggled to get their cat seen by a veterinary professional.
As well as now being a legal requirement, RSPCA is raising awareness of the importance of microchipping for a cat’s welfare. The charity says that a microchip is the best way to reunite pets and owners if a cat is lost, stolen or injured.
Microchipping procedures tend to cost between £15-£30, with some practices including microchipping in their health plans. Charities, including some RSPCA centres and branches, will sometimes offer discounted microchipping and neutering.
This is particularly important for indoor cats, who might escape the house when scared. Without outdoor survival skills, an indoor cat will find it particularly difficult to find its way back.
Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “As we strive to create a better world for every kind - we’d urge owners who haven’t got their cat microchipped yet to contact their vet to book an appointment or they could face a hefty fine of up to £500 - that means it is around £480 cheaper to chip your cat!
“Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database, which is a great way to ensure your feline stays safe.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
