Overview

The Pets (Microchips) Bill aims to improve pet welfare in England and Wales by mandating microchip scans before euthanasia and enhancing local authority procedures for handling deceased cats. This will increase the chance of reuniting lost or found pets with their owners.

Description

This bill introduces two key requirements:

Veterinary Surgeons' Duties:

Veterinary surgeons in England must scan for microchips before euthanizing any pet, regardless of health. They must then attempt to contact the registered owner and any backup contact listed on the microchip database. The government will create regulations to add further steps vets must take before euthanizing a microchipped pet.

Local Authority Duties:

Local authorities in England must make reasonable efforts to scan for microchips, locate owners, and contact owners of deceased cats found on public highways or otherwise reported. They must also hold the cat's body for up to seven days, recording crucial details, including a photograph, and contact registered pet reunification organizations. The Secretary of State will create a register of these organizations and issue guidance to local authorities on these procedures.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State in implementing the Act, and any increase in expenditure from other Acts as a result of this Act, will be paid from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Veterinary Surgeons in England: Required to scan for microchips before euthanasia and contact owners.
• Local Authorities in England: Responsible for handling deceased cats found, including scanning, contacting owners, and contacting registered organizations.
• Pet Owners: Increased likelihood of pet reunification if a pet is lost or found deceased.
• Pet reunification organizations: Will be involved in the process of reuniting owners with lost cats

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