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Cats: Tagging

Asked by Dr Neil HudsonConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 23 September 2025UIN 71417

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase the number of cats being microchipped.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

From 10 June 2024, all owned cats in England over 20 weeks of age must be microchipped and registered on a compliant database. The legislation is intended to improve pet welfare by increasing the likelihood of reuniting lost or stray pets with their keepers.

Defra works closely with stakeholders to communicate pet microchipping requirements to the public.

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