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Many people unaware of new cat microchipping law
The new law will require all pet cats in England to be microchipped after they reach 20 weeks of age.
RSPCA issues warning to cat owners about new microchipping legislation.

According to RSPCA research conducted at the end of May, 47 per cent of adults in England are not aware of the new cat microchipping law that comes into force from 10 June 2024.

The charity is warning pet owners that if they are found not to have microchipped their cat, they will have 21 days to get one implanted or risk facing a fine of £500.

The new legislation was announced in March and requires all pet cats in England to be microchipped after they reach 20 weeks of age. Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database. The new law does not apply to unowned or feral cats.

The charity has also reported that 83 per cent of cats brought into its animal centres in England and Wales in 2022 were not microchipped. 

Samantha Watson, scientific officer at the RSPCA said: “Microchipping is an absolutely essential component of being a responsible pet owner. This new law means that lost cats can be easily identified and reunited with their owners, rather than being handed to rehoming charities who are struggling with overflowing waiting lists. 

“We are hopeful that alongside increasing the number of lost or injured cats reunited with their owners, the new law will help to tackle other common welfare issues for cats, including abandonments.”

The RSPCA’s survey showed that the new microchipping law is supported by the majority of the public, with 75 per cent of adults in England agreeing that the legislation is a positive development for cat welfare. 

The charity is hopeful that Wales will follow England and introduce compulsory microchipping for cats. 

Ms Watson said: “Seven in ten adults in Wales agree that mandatory microchipping would improve cat welfare in Wales.  

“Which goes to show the public are heavily in favour of introducing microchipping laws, it’s just down to the Welsh government now to take action.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.