Essex cat owners reminded to microchip their pets
Cat owners could a face a ÂŁ500 fine for not microchipping their pet
A vet from Essex is reminding cat owners to microchip their pets before the new law comes into force.
By Monday (10 June), owners found without their cat microchipped will have just 21 days to have one implanted – or they may face a fine of up to £500.
Chloe Mackintosh, Head Vet Nurse at Romford PDSA, says it’s really important to make sure your animal is chipped.
She said: “Unfortunately, if we don't have access to any microchip information, the ability to contact any owners, if there's injuries, if they're lost, or even worse if they passed away, is nearly impossible.
“Currently 22% of the population in the 2024, so that that's nearly 2.4 million cats, are still without a microchip. And last year alone, there's only really been a 3% increase in the population of cats now currently microchipped. A report also found that over half of cat owners were not aware that cats had to be microchipped by this deadline.”
The upcoming PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report revealed the top reasons owners shared why their cats were not microchipped were:
• 21% say it’s because their cat doesn’t go outside
• 17% say it’s because their cat is unlikely to stray
• 16% say it’s not necessary
The Essex vet is encouraging pet owners to book an appointment as soon as possible.
She said: “It's really easy and actually many veterinary practices work in collaboration with a charity called Cats Protection, and they offer the C4 scheme, which allows you to have your cat neutered and microchipped for £10. So, it allows people who are maybe on lower income or those that just don't have the money for private care to have their cats chipped.
“There've been lots of stories in the news of delivery drivers finding cats in their vans and transporting them postcodes away from where they originally are. Its really common for unneutered cats to go wandering as well, and the dangers of that is running into not so friendly people, other animals, or involved in road traffic accidents. It's just so important if anything were to happen to your cat or they were to appear lost that a member of the public can take them to veterinary practices, have them scanned and contact can be made.”