AS the UK's largest cat charity, Cats Protection has been campaigning for microchipping to become compulsory for owned cats, as it already is for dogs.

This would greatly improve feline welfare in the UK, helping lost cats to be returned home swiftly and ensuring owners can be notified if their cat is injured or killed on the roads.

Before the general election, the Government announced a call for evidence on cat microchipping in England, giving the public the chance to have their say on compulsory microchipping.

This call for evidence is in addition to a pledge in the Conservative manifesto to "bring forward cat microchipping".

With the call for evidence open until January 4, 2020, the public now only have three weeks left to respond on this important cat welfare issue.

To support Cats Protection’s campaign and send an e-letter to the Government about why microchipping cats is important, please visit www.cats.org.uk/ microchips-reunite before January 2020.

Jacqui Cuff, head of advocacy & government relations.