Free cat microchipping is charity's first in UK

The chipping events are not means-tested, meaning anyone can bring pets along

A free cat microchipping event has taken place in Exeter to get pet owners in line with a new law.

From 10 June, all cats must be microchipped with up-to-date contact information otherwise owners could be fined £500.

Pet charity Blue Cross piloted the free event at its Stratford House centre in Marsh Barton.

Blue Cross bosses said the event was held because they were very "aware of the impact of the cost of living on pet owners", and they hoped to run them across the country.

All cats in the UK must be microchipped by 10 June

Alison Thomas, vet and head of veterinary standards for Blue Cross, said: "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.

"We aim to run these events over the country if this is successful and we have the resources to do so."

Microchipping for dogs became compulsory in April 2016, and "evidence has shown that where dogs are microchipped, they are twice as likely to be reunited with their owners", said Ms Thomas.

"You can identify a cat with a collar and a tag, but collars get lost."

Updated details

The cost of microchipping can vary, but usually costs between £10 and £30.

Most veterinary care provided to the public by Blue Cross is means-tested but the charity said it had decided to offer microchipping for everyone.

Ms Thomas said staff felt it was "is so important that we are offering the service for free".

She said: "We're hoping that particularly people who would find it difficult to afford microchipping will come along.

"But really we just want to help anybody to get their pet microchipped, so that, if a pet does go missing, there is a better chance of them having their pet back again."

The charity has also reminded people to update their details if they changed phone number or address as failing to do so could also result in a fine.