Cat-microchipping success on first day of new law

Microchipping is quick and virtually painless for cats

More than 50 pets were taken to RSPCA Hull and East Riding on Monday as a new law on microchipping cats came into force.

The microchipping event at the Clough Road animal rescue centre was held on the day the law requiring all cats to be chipped was introduced. Previously, only dogs needed to be chipped.

Microchipping is a simple and effective way to ensure that pets can be identified and returned home quickly if they go missing.

Fred Owen, chief executive of RSPCA Hull & East Riding, said he was "thrilled with the turnout and the positive response from both cat and dog owners".

Indoor cats, too

He added that microchipping was a "crucial step in protecting our pets," and said the charity was "proud" to help people in the community comply with the new regulations.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip that is inserted under a cat's skin. Every microchip contains a unique code, which is registered on a database alongside contact details of the owner.

The new law applies to all cats over 20 weeks old. Indoor-only cats must be microchipped as well.

Anyone who missed the 10 June deadline for having their cats chipped has 21 days to do or could be fined up to £500.