Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Compulsory Microchipping of Cats

Thursday 22 July 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Catherine McKinnell asked about the lack of a timetable for compulsory microchipping of cats.
  • The Minister expressed support for cat microchipping, noting 74% of cats are already microchipped.
  • The Minister committed to legislating as soon as possible after responding to the consultation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Context

There is widespread public support for compulsory cat microchipping, and a recent consultation has received 33,000 responses.

Question

Despite the manifesto commitment and the action plan for animal welfare, there is no timetable yet for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of cats. There are currently 2.6 million unchipped pet cats in the UK with less chance of being reunited with their owners if lost or stolen, despite how heartbreaking this can be for pet owners.

Answer from Victoria Prentis

I share the hon. Lady's enthusiasm for microchipping cats, with 74% already microchipped including my own cat. We will work hard as soon as we have responded to the consultation to legislate as soon as possible, requiring only secondary legislation if changes are necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timetable for introducing regulations was not provided

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Q2 Catherine McKinnell Lab Newcastle upon Tyne North
Context

There is widespread public support for compulsory cat microchipping, and a recent consultation has received 33,000 responses.

Question

Despite the manifesto commitment and the action plan for animal welfare, there is no timetable yet for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of cats. There are currently 2.6 million unchipped pet cats in the UK with less chance of being reunited with their owners if lost or stolen, despite how heartbreaking this can be for pet owners.

Answer from Victoria Prentis

I share the hon. Lady's enthusiasm for microchipping cats, with 74% already microchipped including my own cat. We will work hard as soon as we have responded to the consultation to legislate as soon as possible, requiring only secondary legislation if changes are necessary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timetable for introducing regulations was not provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

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