In preparation for a new law taking effect on 10th June mandating the microchipping of all cats with current contact information, a free cat microchipping event was recently organized in Exeter. The initiative, spearheaded by pet charity Blue Cross at its Stratford House centre in Marsh Barton, aimed to assist pet owners in adhering to the upcoming legislation, which could result in fines of up to £500 for non-compliance.
Acknowledging the financial strain on pet owners, Blue Cross initiated the event to mitigate the impact of the cost of living. Alison Thomas, vet and head of veterinary standards for Blue Cross, emphasized the charity’s commitment to supporting pet owners, stating, “As a charity, we are very aware of the impact of the cost of living on pet owners and that is why we are running this event.”
The success of the Exeter event may pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, according to Blue Cross representatives. Ms. Thomas expressed hopes to extend such services nationwide, contingent upon the event’s effectiveness and resource availability.
While microchipping for dogs has been mandatory since April 2016, the introduction of this legislation for cats underscores the importance of this identification measure. Ms. Thomas highlighted the efficacy of microchipping, citing evidence that microchipped dogs are twice as likely to be reunited with their owners. She further emphasized the limitations of traditional identification methods, noting that collars and tags can easily be lost.
Despite variations in microchipping costs, which typically range from £10 to £30, Blue Cross opted to provide the service free of charge, in alignment with its mission to offer accessible veterinary care. Ms. Thomas underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “We’re hoping that particularly people who would find it difficult to afford microchipping will come along.”
Moreover, Blue Cross emphasized the importance of keeping microchip details up to date, as failure to do so could also result in penalties. The charity urged pet owners to promptly update their information in the event of any changes to phone numbers or addresses to maximize the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
The proactive measures taken by Blue Cross underscore the organization’s commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring the welfare of animals in the community.
