The expansion of the mandatory pet microchip implantation, register and lookup system is a positive for helping ensure that cats and dogs are reunited with their owners if they get lost, and stop opportunistic thieves from getting away with their crimes.
A more sombre purpose they provide is that they can help give closure to owners in the worst-case scenario, such as a serious injury or death, but one particular recent tragedy could possibly lead to changes in the law when it comes to reporting dead dogs and cats.
After a cat was found in a communal bin having been killed in a road traffic accident in Plymouth, a passerby found them, took them to the vet and enabled their owner to have a final cuddle.
However, it also led to some outrage that the pet was found thrown in a bin, given that they were a living being that was part of someone’s family, and the RSPCA has advocated for a change in the law that would extend the current law on driver reporting to cats.
At present, road accidents involving dogs, as well as farm animals such as cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and donkeys, must be reported to the police as soon as possible, whether the animal had been killed in the accident or not.
Similarly, the RSPCA called for an extension of the policy the Highways Agency have to scan dogs found dead on the roads to include cats as well, given that they are now also microchipped.
This policy, which has existed since 2016 for dogs, would be relatively straightforward to incorporate and potentially could bring even more peace of mind to pet owners, given the independence of many cats and how that can sometimes lead to tragedy around busy roads.
The tragedy in Plymouth, and how close to home it hits for many cat lovers could be the impetus for this law change to happen sooner rather than later.
