Microchipping cats could become compulsory in England

Under new plans being considered by the government, owners could be expected to microchip their pet cats, with those who refuse facing a fine of up to £500.

It's already mandatory for dogs in England, and aims to tackle a rise in pet theft during the pandemic.

Alison Dickenson from the Cats Protection rehoming centre in Birmingham says that, currently, eight out of ten stray cats they take in are not microchipped.