Overview

The Pets (Microchips) Bill aims to improve the welfare of pets in England by mandating microchip scanning before euthanasia and establishing procedures for local authorities to handle found deceased cats. This includes contacting owners and designated rescue organizations.

Description

This bill introduces two key requirements:

Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary surgeons in England must scan pets for microchips before euthanasia. They must then attempt to contact the registered owner and any backup rescuer listed on the microchip database before making a final decision. The Secretary of State will set further regulations concerning the process and information held on databases.

Local Authorities

Local authorities in England must make reasonable efforts to scan for microchips on deceased cats found on public highways or otherwise reported. If a microchip is found, they must attempt to contact the owner, preserve the body for up to seven days, and record details about the cat (including photographs). They must also contact registered cat and owner reunification organisations.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the Act, and any increase in spending from other Acts attributable to this Act, will be met from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Veterinary Surgeons: Required to scan for microchips before euthanizing pets, potentially increasing workload.
• Pet Owners: Benefit from improved chances of recovering lost or found pets, potentially incurring costs if recovering a deceased pet.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for handling deceased cats and contacting owners and organizations, requiring additional resources.
• Cat and Cat Owner Reunification Organisations: Will receive information on found deceased cats.
• Pet Microchip Databases: Required to provide information and potentially adapt their systems.

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