Animal welfare charities back mandatory pet microchipping

Consultation have begun in England to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats, having had a similar law for dogs since 2016.

Microchipping is not currently required for any pet in Guernsey.

‘I would say that three out of every 10 cats we pick up aren’t microchipped,’ said Sue Vidamore, Animal Aid founder.

‘If we can get a cat back to its owner within five minutes – because that’s all it takes to scan the microchip – then we are all for it.’

Policing the law would be necessary to ensure cats are microchipped.

‘Unless it is followed up there is no point.’

Owners of neglected or stray cats have often denied ownership in the past.

‘We’ve had 30 years of doing this and it’s a sad fact. Some cats we have had have been in appalling states.’

No cat leaves Animal Aid without a microchip.

‘We do it at cost to encourage people to have it done, at £3.99 which is nothing, and in July and August offered it for free. We do them from eight to nine weeks old and have chipped rabbits and parrots before.’

Also under consideration are Fern’s Law, Tuk’s Law, and Gizmo’s Legacy.

Cat theft could be reduced with Fern’s Law, involving vets scanning cats on their first visit to a practice.

‘People see a cat on a doorstep, feed it and keep it. It should be compulsory for vets to scan cats when they come in.’

Tuk’s Law would make it mandatory for microchips to be scanned before pets are put down.

Gizmo’s Legacy would mean mandate scanning when cats and dogs are found dead on the roadside.

GSPCA welfare manager Lorna Chadwick said the shelter definitely supports compulsory microchipping as a much-needed step forward to improve animal welfare.

‘This is not yet a legal requirement in Guernsey. Owners must be responsible and accountable for their pets.’

Likewise, pets must be easily traced back to their owners.

‘Gizmo’s Law is long overdue as it would bring closure to families who’s pet has gone missing or been injured without their knowledge.’

Between 150 to 200 dogs and 400 to 600 cats are brought in yearly, with approximately 50% without microchips.

‘These animals can often spend weeks at the shelter with a few not even being claimed.’

Microchipping relies on current owner information.

‘It is vitally important that owners ensure their pet’s details are kept up to date to enable us to reunite lost animals in the time it takes for us to make a phone call and for them to drive to the Shelter.’

All animals are microchipped when rehomed at the GSPCA.

‘Getting your pet microchipped is the best present you can give them – and you – at Christmas.’

n Animal Aid and the GSPCA offer microchipping for £3.99 and £4.99 respectively.