Improvements to the pet microchipping database system, including faster access for users and extending the system to cats, have been set out by the government today (March 22).
An eight-week consultation will seek the views of the public on a number of improvements to the pet microchipping database system, including faster access for approved users and regular reminders for keeping records updated to help improve breeder traceability.
The recommendations follow last year’s Pet Theft Taskforce report, which highlighted the need to improve navigation of the database system and the transfer of “keepership” records to make it easier to reunite lost or stolen cats and dogs with their owners.
The consultation seeks views on new requirements for registering additional details and a single point of access, so that records can be accessed quickly by approved users to help identify the owners and keepers of pets.
The transferring of keepership records will also be strengthened to prevent lost or stolen animals being re-registered without the keeper being aware, and to stop the creation of duplicate records. Under the strengthened regulations, the breeder’s details will remain on the database for the lifetime of the animal – even when the animal changes keeper or when the microchip record is transferred to another database.
The proposed changes will also apply to cats after 99% of respondents to a recent consultation supported compulsory cat microchipping. Cat microchip records will be stored on the existing database system.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith said: “Pets are much-loved members of the family, and microchipping is the best way of making sure owners can be reunited if their pet is ever sadly lost or stolen.
“We have reviewed the current regulations and the Pet Theft Taskforce’s recommendations, and it is clear improvements are needed to better protect the welfare of our nation’s pets. These proposals will create a more effective system to better animal welfare and deter pet theft.”
