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RSPCA welcomes cat microchipping consultation
Cat microchipping is one of a series of consultations announced over the weekend to protect animal welfare in the UK.

Move announced as part of Government’s plan for animal welfare

The announcement by the UK Government that it is to consult on introducing compulsory microchipping for cats, has been welcomed by animal welfare charity RSPCA.


The consultation, announced on Saturday (28 September), followed a petition launched by Cats Protection after figures revealed around eight in ten strays they take into rescue aren’t microchipped.

RSPCA head of affairs David Bowels said: “We welcome today’s announcement to consult on introducing compulsory microchipping for cats. Microchipping your pet is vitally important in ensuring that if anything happens to them, if they are lost or stolen, or hit by a car, then they can be returned to their owner. 


“Whilst there are challenges on how any legislation would be enforced and what cats it would cover, the RSPCA welcomes this latest announcement as a positive move towards increasing cat microchipping by making it a legal requirement in England for owners to microchip their cats.”


Cat microchipping is one of a series of consultations announced over the weekend to protect animal welfare in the UK. As part of its Animal Welfare Action Plan, the government has also pledged to consult on a ban on the keeping of primates as pets, a ban on live exports, and to strengthen the law on trophy hunting. 


David Bowels continued: “We welcome today’s announcement on four important issues of animal welfare. In particular, we have campaigned to end live exports for over 30 years due to the misery it brings to animals enduring long and stressful journeys and we have also long called for a complete ban on the keeping of primates as pets.

“As we prepare to leave the EU we have been calling on the Government to ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained and improved and we are pleased that the Government appears to be starting to deliver on this by putting better welfare at the heart of its agenda.”

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.