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Over 25,000 pets reported lost since 2023
A total of 4,763 dogs were reported missing to Petlog between 1 January 2023 and 10 June 2024.
Owners urged to ensure their details are up to date on microchipping databases.

More than 25,000 pets have been reported missing in the UK since January 2023, according to Petlog.

The data has been released to coincide with National Microchipping Month, which is held every June.

Petlog, a lost and found pet database managed by The Kennel Club, is urging owners to get their pets microchipped if they haven’t already and ensure their details are up to date.

According to Petlog's statistics, over 21,000 cats and nearly 5,000 dogs were reported missing between January 2023 and June 2024. During the same period, over 13,000 missing cats and more than 3,500 missing dogs were found, meaning that 62 per cent of cats and 74 per cent of dogs were reunited with their owners.

The South East of England saw the most pets go missing, with 4,000 cats and 800 dogs reported lost. At the other end of the scale, the North East of England saw the fewest pets reported missing.

As the data shows that cats are around nine times more likely to go missing compared to dogs, Petlog is reminding cat owners that it is now compulsory for pet cats in England to be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks. Any owner found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to comply or face a possible fine of up to £500.

Bill Lambert, spokesperson for Petlog, said: “Pet microchips help to reunite tens of thousands of much-loved pets with their owners, but it is not a magic wand and will not work if owners do not keep their contact details up to date with their microchipping database.

“A lot of families move house and change phone numbers without updating these details with their database, making it impossible to reunite their pets in a lot of cases.

“Checking and updating your details this National Microchipping Month is such a simple step but can make all the difference.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.