- By Alexandra Bassingham
- BBC News
Image source, Getty Images
The RSPCA said half of grownups asked in a study did not understand it was mandatory to have cats microchipped from next year
Almost 80% of cats seen at one RSPCA centre in 2015 were not microchipped, the charity says.
Figures, taped by staff at the charity’s Somerset branch, program owners are mostly unware of how the law is set to alter, it said.
From next year, cats need to be microchipped and owners discovered breaking the guidelines deal with a £500 fine if they do not treat the issue within 21 days.
The brand-new legislation enters into impact in England from 10 June 2024.
The RSPCA said almost half of adult participants to a nationwide study revealed they did not understand about the pending modification in the law.
‘National Microchipping Month’
Samantha Watson, clinical officer and cat well-being specialist at the RSPCA, said the countdown was “genuinely on to get your cats microchipped and stay away from those large fines”.
“This month is likewise National Microchipping Month, so what much better time to get your cat cracked and ensure your family and friends know the inbound law too.”
Microchipping includes a little chip being “rapidly and merely” placed under the animal’s skin to offer the animal its own special code.
The chip can then be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact information that are kept a database.
Ms Watson said: “We think the optimal time to microchip a cat is when they are neutered as a kitten, at around 4 months old and under anaesthetic.”
Cat well-being groups have actually invited the modification which prioritises feline well-being and might reduce cat desertions.
Ms Watson said: “We feel positive that, thanks to the modification in the law, now we will see much more happy stories than sad ones.”
