Overview

The Pets (Microchips) Bill aims to improve pet welfare in England and Wales by mandating microchip checks before euthanasia and establishing procedures for handling deceased cats found by local authorities.

Description

This bill introduces two key requirements:

Veterinary Surgeons' Obligations

Veterinary surgeons in England must scan pets for microchips before euthanasia. They must attempt to contact registered owners and backup rescuers listed on associated databases. The bill allows for regulations to define further steps vets must take, to require databases to indicate the presence of backup rescuers, to limit information changes on databases to registered owners and specify other information to be held on databases.

Local Authorities' Responsibilities

Relevant local authorities in England must take reasonable steps to scan for microchips in deceased cats found on public highways or reported to them. This includes contacting owners, preserving the body for up to seven days, recording key information (microchip number, sex, colour, location etc.), and contacting registered organizations for cat reunification. The bill allows for regulations creating a register of approved organisations and mandating information sharing with them. Guidance will be issued to local authorities on their duties.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State due to the Act, and any increase in sums payable from Parliament because of the Act, will be covered by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Veterinary Surgeons in England: Required to follow new procedures before euthanizing pets.
• Pet Owners: Increased chance of their lost or deceased pet being identified and returned/recovered.
• Local Authorities in England: Responsible for implementing procedures for deceased cats found within their jurisdiction.
• Cat and Cat Owner Reunification Organisations: May benefit from the enhanced registration and information-sharing processes.
• Pet Microchip Databases: May be subject to new regulatory requirements.

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