Microchipping reforms could help crack down on pet theft, ministers say
Lost or stolen pets could be reunited with their owners more quickly due to a new microchipping system being set out by the Government.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lost or stolen pets could be reunited with their owners more quickly due to a new microchipping system.
Reforms set out by the Government aim to make microchip records easier to access, improve the accuracy of the information they contain, and standardise databases.
Ministers hope the move, which was welcomed by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, will help deter pet theft across England.
These reforms, which we have been calling for for some time, will not only help rescues like Battersea reunite more pets in less time, but also hopefully better protect dogs and cats from theft
Environment minister Lord Douglas-Miller said: “Pets are treasured members of the family so it can be devastating for owners when they are lost or stolen.
“These vital reforms will simplify the microchipping system to make it quicker for vets, local authorities and police to access important information when they need it, helping to safeguard pets from theft and increase the likelihood of lost pets being returned home.”
Michael Webb, Battersea’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “We see dogs and cats arrive at our centres every day with out-of-date microchips, or sadly no microchip at all, making it near-impossible for our staff to reunite people with their pets.
“These reforms, which we have been calling for for some time, will not only help rescues like Battersea reunite more pets in less time, but also hopefully better protect dogs and cats from theft.”
Microchipping for pet cats is due to become compulsory from June as part of a drive to crack down on pet theft.
The Government is also supporting other measures to prevent animal-related crime.
It will be backing a law change sponsored by Conservative Southend West MP Anna Firth which aims to create a specific criminal offence of pet abduction via a Private Member’s Bill.