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PDSA reminds cat owners of microchip deadline
Dragon's microchip meant that PDSA could contact his owner immediately.
A microchip helped reunite a cat with its owner after three months.

PDSA has issued a reminder for cat owners to get their cat microchipped, ahead of the 10 June 2024 deadline.

From 10 June, all pet cats which are over the age of 20 weeks must be microchipped. Owners who fail to microchip their cat will have 21 days to get one implanted, or they risk a £500 fine.

PDSA says that, as well as soon becoming a legal requirement, microchipping cats can also be important if the cat becomes lost.

In one case, a microchip proved vital to reuniting a one-year-old cat with his owner, after three months away.

Dragon first went missing in March 2022. His owner, Elizabeth Vasilopoulou, tried many techniques to guide him home, including calling for him, shaking his treats, and leaving his carrier out for him.

Three months later Ms Vasilopoulou received a phone call from New Cross PDSA Pet Hospital, who said they had Dragon.

The pet hospital said that Dragon was found by a group of girls, who had been feeding him in their garden for a month. Unsure if he was local or not, they took him to the PDSA pet hospital.

As Dragon had an up-to-date microchip, PDSA were able to contact her immediately to reunite her with her cat.

When he returned home Dragon slept for three days, only waking up for food. He was soon back to his original self, and has recently celebrated his third birthday.

Lynne James, a veterinary surgeon with PDSA, said: “Just as much as we don’t want to end up with a lost or stray cat, our much-loved pets definitely won’t want to lose us either! Having a microchip, that’s kept up to date and registered on a compliant database, is the best precautionary method all cat owners should take.”

She added: “This is also a good time for owners to check their chips, for all cats already with a microchip, make sure you’ve checked your details are all correct, and check the chip is successfully registered, as an unregistered chip is no use to a lost cat.”  

Image © PDSA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.