Selwyn cats required to be microchipped from July 1

The Team Reporter from The Press

All domestic cats in Selwyn district over the age of 4 months will have to be microchipped and registered from Friday, July 1.

The Keeping Animals, Poultry and Bees Bylaw, which passed last year, aims to protect the public from nuisance, and address public health and safety issues.

The decision to include the cat microchipping requirement was made following the strong support it received during public consultation. This makes Selwyn the fourth council in the country to require microchipping of cats, along with Palmerston North City Council, Wellington City Council and Whanganui District Council.

“Microchipping your cat is the best way to ensure your lost pet gets home. It is also considered key to being a responsible pet owner,” council regulatory manager Susan Atherton said.

“A cat may go missing for a number of reasons. Often cats are also presumed to be strays and are taken to shelters by well-meaning people. Microchipping allows veterinarians and animal shelters, such as SPCA, to contact the owner once their cat is found.”

Cat owners are responsible for the one-off cost of microchipping and registration for the life of the cat with the approved microchip registry, the New Zealand Companion Animals Register (NZCAR). Microchipping can be done at any local vet. The registration with NZCAR is most commonly done for the owner by their vet at the time of microchipping, or by SPCA/rescues at the time of adoption.

The council will take an educational approach to encouraging people to microchip and register their pet.

If people find a stray cat they should continue to take them to a cat rescue, SPCA or their local vet.

For more information on the Keeping Animals, Poultry and Bees Bylaw and domestic cats requirements visit the Council website at www.selwyn.govt.nz....