Written Question · S6W-03475 · Session 6
What its response is to findings from the charity, Cats Protection, which suggests that 29% of owned cats in Scotland are not microchipped,…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to findings from the charity,
Cats Protection, which suggests that 29% of owned cats in Scotland are not
microchipped, and what measures it is taking to encourage owners to microchip
their cats to help reunite lost animals and identify those that have been
stolen.
The answer
The Scottish Government Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats recommends that all cat owners should consider neutering and microchipping their pets as the best way of being reunited with them should they be separated.
The findings of the Cats Protection’s survey suggest that the owners of around 71% of cats have accepted that recommendation and voluntarily microchipped their pets.
The Scottish Government does not currently consider that microchipping should be made compulsory for cats but is aware of the Defra call for evidence and recent public consultation on the microchipping of cats. We will give full consideration to the results of this consultation when they are available.
The findings of the Cats Protection’s survey suggest that the owners of around 71% of cats have accepted that recommendation and voluntarily microchipped their pets.
The Scottish Government does not currently consider that microchipping should be made compulsory for cats but is aware of the Defra call for evidence and recent public consultation on the microchipping of cats. We will give full consideration to the results of this consultation when they are available.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-03475 by reference.