Mandatory microchipping of cats in NI ‘could ease pressures on charities'
A plan announced by Daera last month — The Animal Welfare Pathway 'Advancing Animal Welfare in Northern Ireland 2025-27' — aims to reform animal welfare legislation over the next two years.
In his ambitious 10-point plan, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir is hoping to examine the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, in line with other jurisdictions within the UK where it has become mandatory.
Cats Protection's Northern Ireland cat centre has welcomed the news as a 'huge step forward'.
Northern Ireland has the lowest microchipping rates in the UK.
According to statistics obtained by the charity, there are currently 250,000 owned cats here, but just 64% (160,000) of these are microchipped.
Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family.
The centre has 92 cats and kittens being cared for by volunteers, with a further 51 on the waiting list.
These range in age from week-old kittens who will be ready for homing once they are old enough, up to 14-year-old cats.
Cats Protection advocacy and government relations officer for Northern Ireland Alice Palombo said: 'These plans are a huge step forward for Northern Ireland and we will be doing everything we can to help bring them into action and drive them forward.
'We look forward to working with Minister Muir and his department to make a better life for cats in Northern Ireland.
'It is also great to see a commitment to look into compulsory microchipping for cats in Northern Ireland by examining how this new law has been working in England.
'Northern Ireland consistently has the lowest cat microchipping rates in the UK.
'Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family.
'A cat without a microchip also puts a strain on rehoming organisations like Cats Protection.
'Our team has to try to locate the owners of the cat without a microchip, which takes up space in our pens for cats that need us the most.'
News Catch Up - Tuesday 10th June
She added cats that are not microchipped have an impact on their trap, neuter and release work which helps control local feral populations.
'When a cat without a microchip comes into the care of a rehoming organisation like Cats Protection, it places a strain on our resources to find the owner,' Ms Palombo added.
'Like most rehoming organisations across Northern Ireland, we have long waiting lists and owned cats without microchips take up space in pens for cats that need us the most.'
The USPCA are members of the NICAWG (Northern Ireland Animal Welfare Group) and have also welcomed the minister's plan.
A spokesperson for the charity said that responsible cat ownership can help protect wildlife.
'Feral cats often live in difficult conditions without regular food, shelter, or veterinary care, and their instinct to hunt can impact small birds and mammals,' it said.
'Humanely managing stray and feral cat populations through neutering is a much-needed solution.
'Additionally, responsible cat ownership is key in helping to protect our wildlife.
'Simple steps like keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk can help birds and using quick-release collars with bells will warn potential prey.
'It's important to remember that cats are beloved companions to many.
'With a bit of care, we can protect both pets and wild animals.'
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A plan announced by Daera last month — The Animal Welfare Pathway 'Advancing Animal Welfare in Northern Ireland 2025-27' — aims to reform animal welfare legislation over the next two years. In his ambitious 10-point plan, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir is hoping to examine the case for mandatory microchipping of cats, in line with other jurisdictions within the UK where it has become mandatory. Cats Protection's Northern Ireland cat centre has welcomed the news as a 'huge step forward'. Northern Ireland has the lowest microchipping rates in the UK. According to statistics obtained by the charity, there are currently 250,000 owned cats here, but just 64% (160,000) of these are microchipped. Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family. The centre has 92 cats and kittens being cared for by volunteers, with a further 51 on the waiting list. These range in age from week-old kittens who will be ready for homing once they are old enough, up to 14-year-old cats. Cats Protection advocacy and government relations officer for Northern Ireland Alice Palombo said: 'These plans are a huge step forward for Northern Ireland and we will be doing everything we can to help bring them into action and drive them forward. 'We look forward to working with Minister Muir and his department to make a better life for cats in Northern Ireland. 'It is also great to see a commitment to look into compulsory microchipping for cats in Northern Ireland by examining how this new law has been working in England. 'Northern Ireland consistently has the lowest cat microchipping rates in the UK. 'Microchips are the safest and quickest way to reunite a cat with their owner. Without one, they might never be reunited with their family. 'A cat without a microchip also puts a strain on rehoming organisations like Cats Protection. 'Our team has to try to locate the owners of the cat without a microchip, which takes up space in our pens for cats that need us the most.' News Catch Up - Tuesday 10th June She added cats that are not microchipped have an impact on their trap, neuter and release work which helps control local feral populations. 'When a cat without a microchip comes into the care of a rehoming organisation like Cats Protection, it places a strain on our resources to find the owner,' Ms Palombo added. 'Like most rehoming organisations across Northern Ireland, we have long waiting lists and owned cats without microchips take up space in pens for cats that need us the most.' The USPCA are members of the NICAWG (Northern Ireland Animal Welfare Group) and have also welcomed the minister's plan. A spokesperson for the charity said that responsible cat ownership can help protect wildlife. 'Feral cats often live in difficult conditions without regular food, shelter, or veterinary care, and their instinct to hunt can impact small birds and mammals,' it said. 'Humanely managing stray and feral cat populations through neutering is a much-needed solution. 'Additionally, responsible cat ownership is key in helping to protect our wildlife. 'Simple steps like keeping cats indoors during dawn and dusk can help birds and using quick-release collars with bells will warn potential prey. 'It's important to remember that cats are beloved companions to many. 'With a bit of care, we can protect both pets and wild animals.'
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