Sussex charity welcomes new cat microchipping law
It comes into force across England from today (June 10th)
An animal charity based in West Sussex is welcoming new laws, which mean it is now compulsory for all cats in England to have a microchip.
Any owners who have failed to get their cat microchipped by 10th June could face a fine.
There are more than nine million pet cats in England and it was thought in the run up to the deadline today that as many as 2.3 million were unchipped.
Cats Protection, whose National Cat Adoption Centre is based at Chelwood Gate near Haywards Heath, is among groups who had been pushing for a change in the law.
The charity's Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer Annabel Berdy said:
"Anyone who has a cat will know it's absolutely heart-breaking if their cat doesn't return home. The stress, worry and anguish can lead to a lot of stress and worry.
"The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, it sits just under the cat's skin, it causes absolutely no pain or discomfort and can be done at minimal cost, around £20-30.
"We're really trying to get the message out that microchipping your cat gives you the best chance of reuniting with your cat should it become lost or injured."
What happens if you don't microchip your cat?
If you are found to have not microchipped your cat, you will be given 21 days to get it done.
If you still haven't done it after this point, you will face a fine of up to £500.
What are the rules across the UK?
The new law only applies to England.
Microchipping cats is not compulsory in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, but there have been calls from animal charities for the other nations to follow suit.
How much does microchipping cost?
Microchipping your cat costs between £10 and £30, according to the RSPCA.
Some animal charities and organisations also offer microchipping and may be able to do it for a reduced rate, or for free.
If you adopt a cat from a rescue centre or animal welfare charity they should be microchipped, and the organisation should give you the information you need to update the details on the microchip.