Cats Protection welcomes the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC)’s recently published report on responsible ownership and care of domestic cats in Scotland, supporting its microchipping recommendations to improve cat welfare across Scotland.
Advocacy Officer for Cats Protection, Alice Palombo, said: “We are delighted that SAWC has recommended the introduction of legislation for compulsory microchipping and the registration of owned cats in Scotland.
“This would be a vital step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of pet cats, one that Cats Protection has long campaigned for.
“Animal welfare charities take in thousands of unchipped cats every year, and Scotland has the second lowest microchipping rates in the UK at 72%. This legislation will help reunite lost cats with their owners, reduce the number of unowned and stray cats, while also reducing the burden on our teams.
“Trying to find the owners of unchipped cats often takes up valuable space in our pens – space that could otherwise be used for cats in urgent need.”
The charity further supports the development of a centralised database to simplify the registration process, giving an efficient way for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare organisations to search for cats when needed.
In addition to legislative measures, SAWC has recommended that Scottish Ministers implement a public education programme to encourage voluntary microchipping and registration ahead of legal requirements.
Alice continues: “The combination of compulsory microchipping and a centralised registration system will be a game-changer for cat welfare in Scotland.
“A public education initiative will be crucial in raising awareness among cat owners and the wider public about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“We hope Scottish Ministers do take action by implementing these proposals as soon as possible, which we believe are essential for improving cat welfare.”
