Success prompts RSPCA reminder of incoming microchip law.
The RSPCA is reminding cat owners of the incoming microchipping law, after four missing cats were reunited with their families after being scanned.
The law, which comes into effect from 10 June 2024, will mean it is mandatory for cats to be microchipped once they reach 20 weeks old. However, research from the RSPCA in May this year revealed that 47 per cent of adults in England were not aware of the law.
The RSPCA says that these cases highlight just how important microchipping is, as all four had been microchipped.
In each case, the RSPCA was able to scan the microchip in order to reunite the missing cat with its family as soon as possible.
One of the missing cats was six-year-old Oreo, who was missing for nine months after getting away from his owners during a house move.
The RSPCA was called out to reports of an unfamiliar and injured cat in a garden which, after scanning the microchip, was revealed to be Oreo.
Although Oreo’s injured leg had to be amputated, his owners were shocked and pleased to be reunited with him in their new home after so long.
Another cat, Will, was found trapped on a roof just over a mile away from his home after going missing nine days previously.
After being retrieved by fire and rescue officers, he was scanned for a microchip and quickly reunited with his owners.
RSPCA animal collection officer, Shane Lynch said: “It’s wonderful, although a little unusual, for us to be able to reunite four cats in just a matter of weeks - but it’s all thanks to the fact their owners had got them microchipped.
“Success stories like these show just how important these tiny chips can be. It’s disheartening collecting a cat who has strayed or got injured, who you suspect has a loving owner, but if they aren’t microchipped or wearing a collar it makes the job of tracing their family all the more difficult.
“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.”
Images (C) RSPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
