- Government delivers on key manifesto pledge to introduce compulsory microchipping for all owned cats
- Owners will have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their cat
- Microchipping cats will help reunite thousands of lost or stray pets every year
New legislation to introduce compulsory cat microchipping is being laid in Parliament today (13 March), making it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.
There are over 9 million pet cats in England, with as many as 2.3 million unchipped, meaning that it would be very difficult to reunite them with their owner if they get lost or stolen.
The new microchipping rules follow a Government call for evidence and consultation on the issue in which 99% of respondents expressed support for the measure. The introduction of compulsory cat microchipping was a manifesto commitment and an Action Plan for Animal Welfare pledge.
The new rules mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their
