The government has announced that a new compulsory microchipping law for cats is set to be introduced in the UK.
Under the new plans – which were proposed this week – all cat owners must ensure their pet is microchipped and their contact details are stored before they reach the age of 20 weeks, and must keep them up to date in a pet microchipping database.
Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.
The new microchipping rules – which the government says will mean that lost or stray pet cats are more likely to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely – is said to follow a call for evidence and consultation on the issue by the government, where 99% of respondents supported the measure.
According to recent statistics, there are over 10.8 million pet cats in the UK, with as many as 2.8 million of those un-chipped.
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Eight out of 10 stray cats coming into Cats Protection’s centres are also not microchipped.
Following years of campaigning from Cats Protection and tens of thousands of our supporters, the government has today announced that microchipping of pet cats will be made compulsory! #MicrochipsReunite 🐾 pic.twitter.com/mH3IcPZmqQ
Speaking on the new mandatory law, Lord Goldsmith – Animal Welfare Minister – said: “Cats are much-loved parts of our families and making sure that they’re microchipped is the best possible way of making sure that you are reunited with them if they are ever lost or stolen.
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“These new rules will help protect millions of cats across the country.”
Jacqui Cuff – Head of Advocacy & Government Relations at Cats Protection – added: “Microchipping is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost cats and can help ease the pressure on rescue charities like Cats Protection.
“Without a microchip, a lost cat will most likely end up being rehomed to a new home as there is often no trace of their original owner.”
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There are over 10.8 million pet cats in the UK, with as many as 2.8 million of those un-chipped / Credit: Flickr
The government has said it is also carrying out a review of the regulations on dog microchipping, and the related microchipping database systems – which has been the subject of much critique by vets, pet owners, and animal welfare campaigners over the years and in recent days – to consider whether improvements can be made.
The new cat microchipping rules will be implemented once this review has completed.
According to the government, this will ensure that any changes to the operation of the microchipping regime are brought in at the same time as the new microchipping rules for cats.
Featured Image – Unsplash
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
9th December 2021 
