Govt admits they want to put microchips in all

[AtW]

cats!

"Cat owners may be forced to microchip pets as UK thefts soar

Owners could face fines of up to £500 for unregistered cats to combat black market activity

Millions of cat owners could be expected to get their cats microchipped or face fines under new government plans as the number of felines being stolen has risen sharply during the pandemic.

Data from the police shows the number of cats being taken has risen almost threefold in five years, with a notable 12.3% in the last year. Owners are now being asked to microchip their cats in the same way as dogs already are.

The Telegraph reported that a microchipping measure, which means animals can be tracked and identified if stolen and resold, is being introduced as part of a package of changes by a ministerial taskforce to combat the growing black market in stolen pets. Those who do not get their cats registered will face a fine of up to £500.

The taskforce was set up by Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, with Priti Patel, the home secretary, and George Eustice, the environment secretary."

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...f-thefts-in-uk

First they came after the cats but we were silent!

[GigiBronz]

Who is advocating for this? lobby groups from veterinarians that will take the skin off pet owners with the first opportunity? Pet shops and food suppliers?

Is there still any decision in this country made by studies and analysis or only by big industries lobbying for mo money?

Streets in the area where I live are littered with ... you know what. Every man and it's dog bought another dog and a cat during the pandemic because they felt lonely. People should be made more aware of how hard it is to raise a pet. And that the pet might not be happy in a dinky flat.

But letting the industry decide the campaigns it probably not the best choice.

[NotAllThere]

Vets routinely microchip cats here. No big deal. Handy for the cat doors too.

[xoggoth]

Not as bad as routinely getting their naughty bits cut off. Poor little sods.

[GigiBronz]

We've had mobile phones for a long time but how long did it take before we could erase them and make them unusable for the next user? So that they don't keep getting stollen?

A very long time because even if it was easy for the industry to just block stolen mobile phones. It was not in their interest.

So it is this microchip nonsense.

[NotAllThere]

So it is this microchip nonsense.

Ah I see where you've misunderstood. Not all microchips are equal. HTH

[NotAllThere]

Not as bad as routinely getting their naughty bits cut off. Poor little sods.

Not really. We've got to stop the evil little sods breeding.

[Halo Jones]

We've had mobile phones for a long time but how long did it take before we could erase them and make them unusable for the next user? So that they don't keep getting stollen?

A very long time because even if it was easy for the industry to just block stolen mobile phones. It was not in their interest.

So it is this microchip nonsense.

Hmmm cake