Cat Identification
Cat Identification is now a legal requirement in the UK, according to new legislation that will come into full effect on 10th June 2024. This legislation mandates that all cat owners must have their pets microchipped.
Microchipping cats is a proven and effective way of reuniting lost cats and kittens with their owners. The UK Government has specified that cat owners have until 10 June 2024 to microchip their pets. Failure to comply with this regulation after the deadline results in fines and potential imprisonment. (Note: Further updates will be provided in 2024 to provide the most accurate information.)
It's worth noting that the potential imprisonment mentioned above is a result of the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, which came into effect in the UK on 29th April 2021. This act increased the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years, indicating the seriousness with which the government views animal welfare. Therefore, failure to microchip a cat after the specified deadline incurs fines and may also be considered a violation of animal welfare, leading to potential imprisonment under the aforementioned act.
Reference list for this page is now live on: sykes.dog/animal-welfare/references