A Step Forward in Responsible Pet Ownership
In two months’ time on 10 June 2024, a new milestone in pet welfare legislation is set to take effect in England. Under this mandate, all cat owners will be required to have their feline companions microchipped. This initiative marks a significant stride forward in safeguarding the well-being of cats and elevating the standards of responsible pet ownership.
Microchipping has long been recognised as a valuable tool in pet identification and reunification efforts. Unlike collars and tags, which can be lost or removed, microchips provide a permanent form of identification that is tamper-proof and cannot be misplaced. This added layer of security not only increases the likelihood of lost cats being returned to their homes but also serves as a deterrent to pet theft.
There are an estimated 4.35 million pets in New Zealand total with over 1.1 million of these being companion cats. Currently, the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) has more than 1.3 million pets registered, with more than 700,000 cats registered. Proportionately, there are more companion animals in New Zealand than anywhere in the world, other than the United States.
Companion Animals New Zealand General Manager David Lloyd says, beyond the practical benefits of microchipping, this legislation sends a powerful message about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
“Microchipping and registering your animal is a proactive step which shows a commitment to their welfare and safety, so we commend this step taken in England” says Mr Lloyd. “Registering animals on a national database, like our NZ Companion Animal Register, links your details to your pet's microchip, you are ensuring that they can be readily identified and returned to you if they become lost or stray.”
Microchipping is required for all dogs registered in New Zealand, with the exception of working farm dogs. Having your companion cat microchipped in New Zealand is optional. However in 2023, an Environment Select Committee’s recommendations to Parliament supported a nation-wide cat management framework, which would see almost all cats being desexed and microchipped.
Additionally, just last week, Hutt City Council voted to introduce "chipping and snipping" rules for domestic cats. The Control of Animals Bylaw now includes a section on the ‘Keeping of Cats’, which requires owners of cats over 12 weeks of age to ensure the cat is:
Microchipped;
Registered on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR); and
Desexed (unless kept for breeding purposes and registered with a nationally recognised cat breeders' body; or deferred if a registered veterinarian has determined it would negatively impact the cat’s health and welfare)
This decision follows the likes of Wellington, Palmerston North, Whangārei, Whanganui, Ruapehu and Selwyn in implementing local cat bylaws.
“While we don’t know the next steps from a national perspective following last year’s recommendation from the Select Committee, we are certainly keen to work with local government when they make decisions like Hutt City has, and are always promoting the animal welfare benefits of microchipping,” continues Mr Lloyd.
“Microchipping helps animals get home faster which means they’re at less risk of becoming sick or injured or without care for lengthy periods. It is so important animal guardians keep their details up to date if they move or change circumstances. We hope that more people opt into microchipping their animal – regardless of mandates - because of how it can protect their animal and reunite them if they become separated. ”