There's an unchipped cat crisis in Blackpool, says charity member
“Frankly, no one cares and that is a main part of the problem.”
A crisis has arisen regarding the number of cats which haven’t been microchipped, says a Blackpool-based charity volunteer.
Joan Lamb, a cat rescuer and volunteer for animal reuniting charity Harvey’s Army, says it has led to huge numbers of stray cats in Blackpool which can’t be linked to owners, with many of the animals not being neutered or spayed either.
She says organisations which either try and reunite them with owners or re-home them are being overwhelmed.
Part of the UK-wide problem, she says, is that councils do not enforce Government legislation brought in back in 2024 requiring all cats to be microchipped.
She claims Blackpool Council is not enforcing the law at all, prompting many owners not to bother, and that the RSPCA and Cats Protection are no longer able to provide vouchers to low-income families to neuter an spay their pets.
What is the law?
Under the 2024 legislation, owners who fail to microchip their cat in England face a fine of up to £500.
The Penalty Grace Period: If a cat is found without a microchip, the owner is usually given 21 days to have one implanted.Failing to comply within that 21-day window can result in a fine of up to £500. Owners must also keep their contact details up to date on an approved database, or they risk similar penalties.
The new law stated that local council teams and animal welfare officers would take the lead on checking compliance and issuing notices in their local areas.
What they say
Joan Lamb said: “The situation regarding cats is now a complete crisis not only in Blackpool but across the country.
“Despite the introduction of a law in England in June 2024 requiring all owned cats to be microchipped, local councils are not taking enforcement action.
“I made an FOI (freedom of information) request to Blackpool Council and was told they do not carry out any enforcement action.
“As a volunteer for Harvey’s Army I attend situations to scan cats and try and reunite them.
“The number of unchipped cats is now at epidemic levels. Most are unneutered as well.
“There is no sanctioning by any authorities in this country and it has allows the situation to get completely out of hand. Cats are suffering as a result.
“We need some kind of enforcement action to make an impact.”
Local rescue organisation Blackpool Cats in Care currently has 85 cats and kittens looking for homes and co-founder Nicky Hoyle agreed with the concerns, saying: “It’s a major problem.
“The real issue is owners who just don’t bother chipping or neutering their cats and who then don’t care enough if they end up on the street.
“Many of them pick up kittens for free, from a neighbour or someone they know, and then find they can’t afford vet’s bills, let alone chipping or neutering.
“Nearly all the cats we take in our unchipped and haven’t been neutered, so we make sure we chip them all and neuter the cats when they’re old enough, before finding them good homes. The real owners, even if they could be traced, are usually not bothered about getting them back.
“Then, there is no one enforcing the law so there is absolutely no detterrant. I’ve chased up cases with the council but nothing happens. Frankly, no one cares and that is a main part of the problem.”
Blackpool Council has been approached regarding the enforcement situation.