Hundreds of pet owners across the region could be at risk of being hit with a £500 fine if they fall foul of a new microchipping law coming into play in 2024.  

New legislation has been outlined by the government, as part of its wider action plan for animal welfare, that means it will be a legal requirement for cat caregivers to microchip their pets. Failure to do so could end with a large fine. 

Deborah Burrows, managing director of Healthy Pet Store in Southampton, has welcomed the new legislation because she said it will play a vital role in keeping cats safe. 

Under the law, cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks. Owners who are caught out will be given 21 days to microchip their cat or risk facing a fine of up to £500.

Since 2016, it has been compulsory for dogs to be microchipped, but there have been no requirements for cats until now. 

The new law has been brought in to help return lost or stolen cats to their homes and families. Currently, there are as many as 2.3 million unchipped cats in the UK. 

Deborah added: “We know of many cats going missing from home. These are loved family members and it is upsetting to not be aware of when and if they have been found. We are urging cat caregivers to take pre-emptive action.

“Microchipping gives cats the best chance of returning home quickly and safely. The new law makes perfect sense and should deter owners from leaving their cat vulnerable.”

Healthy Pet Store is an independent pet retailer based in Totton and is renowned for being an advocate for pet wellbeing across the South coast. 

To find out more about Healthy Pet Store, visit healthypetstore.co.uk