RSPCA warning as many pet owners 'unaware' of new law with £500 fine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A staggering one in 10 people remain oblivious to England's cat microchipping law, while over a third grapple with the expense of microchipping their feline companions, an RSPCA survey has found.

The animal welfare charity branded these findings as "shocking".In England, cats over 20 weeks old and owned must be legally microchipped since June last year, the RSPCA points out, highlighting that microchipping is crucial for reuniting lost, stolen, or injured felines with their owners.

The charity also anticipates that this requirement will bolster cat welfare by deterring neglect and reducing abandonment cases.Yet, nearly six months after the legislation came into force, an enlightening RSPCA survey of animal welfare supporters discloses that 11% of individuals were unaware of this new legal duty.

Moreover, the poll underlines that 36% see the financial burden as a significant barrier to microchipping.A notable 21% thought indoor cats didn't need chips, and 17% faced difficulties accessing veterinary services or securing appointments, according to the research.Alice Potter, a cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, highlighted the importance of feline microchipping, stating: "We all want the best for our cats so it's really important that owners ensure their cats are microchipped.