Is your cat legal? From Monday, changes to the microchipping laws are rolled out.
All cats aged 20 weeks and older must be microchipped and registered in a national database.
If owners are found to have not microchipped their cat, they will be given 21 days to comply. Failure to do so within that period could result in a fine of up to £500.
The new law aims to enhance the safety and traceability of cats, ensuring lost pets can be quickly reunited with their owners.
For cat owners
- Ensure your pet is microchipped by Monday June 10.
- After this date, it will be mandatory to microchip cats before they reach 20 weeks old.
- Maintain a note of your cat’s microchip number. If you do not have this information, contact your vet, or arrange for your cat to be scanned.
For catteries
- Record cat identification when taking bookings.
- Ask for the microchip number.
- If the owner cannot provide one, inform them of the new law and preferably keep a written record of this advice.
- Decide whether to admit cats that are not microchipped.
- Remember, if an unchipped cat escapes, the owner could face penalties for failing to comply with the new legislation.
- Consider adding a written declaration to your consent forms to show that you have informed owners about the microchipping requirement.
