A new report shows 13% of cat owners have yet to comply with the legislation
More than a million cat owners have yet to comply with a new law introduced a year ago, even though they are now risking a £500 fine. More than one in ten (13%) of cat owners could still be at risk of a £500 fine for failing to comply with cat chipping legislation, which came into effect on June 10, 2024. The rules require all pet cats in England, including those kept indoors, to be microchipped and registered on a secure database by the time they are 20 weeks old.
New data from Go.Compare pet insurance reveals that more than one in ten cats in the UK remain unchipped, leaving their owners at risk of a fine of up to £500.
The law requires every cat’s microchip to be fitted by a trained professional, such as a vet, and that their contact details be kept up to date on an approved database.
Microchips contain vital information such as:
- Your cat’s unique identification number
- Your name
- Your home address
- Your mobile number
- Your email address
Rhys Jones, pet insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare said: “It’s concerning to see that, a year on from the new legislation in England, many cat owners still haven’t had their cats microchipped.
“The benefits of getting your cat microchipped go beyond making sure you are compliant with the law – should your cat wander off and go missing, it can make a real difference as to whether you are reunited or not.
“It’s a quick and minimally invasive procedure and can be done during a regular check-up with the vet. Not only does it provide peace of mind for you, but it is also often a requirement for travelling abroad with your cat, in the EU or beyond.”
