Importance of microchipping raised by Cats Protection after pet cat is dumped in a Rochdale bin

Jasper was dumped inside a bin, but was able to be reunited with his owner thanks to his microchip

Cats Protection is calling on owners to realise the importance of microchipping pets after a cat was dumped in a bin in Rochdale.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/127112/warning-issued-by-rochdale-rspca-centre-after-cat-in-duffel-bag-is-dumped-in-bin

Tabby cat Jasper was fortunately found by council workers on Thursday (4 April) inside an abandoned bin, where he had been put into a black duffel bag.

Across England, 27% of pet cats are not microchipped, but fortunately, due to being chipped, Jasper has been reunited with his owner.

A spokesperson for the Cats Protection said: “If Jasper had not been microchipped, it may have been impossible for such a happy ending to occur. Sadly, many lost or injured cats are not able to be identified, which is why Cats Protection is calling for a change in the law to ensure that all owned cats, like dogs, are microchipped.”

Microchipping is a safe, permanent and cost-effective method of identification which ensures cats can be reunited with their owner should they go missing. It means lost cats are not mistaken as strays by rehoming charities. It also ensures owners can be notified if their cat has been injured or killed in a road accident. 

The cat charity also encourages local councils to scan any cats they collect that have died in road accidents for a microchip, so their owners can be informed. 

Cats are much-loved pets, and Cats Protection believes that compulsory microchipping is needed for owned cats to give cat owners the same reassurance as dog owners when their beloved pet goes missing.

Cats Protection continues to call on politicians to ensure changes in the law to improve feline welfare across the UK.

Anyone with information about how Jasper came to be dumped is urged to contact the Rochdale RSPCA animal centre on 01706 861897.

Find out more about Cats Protection’s campaign work at:

• www.cats.org.uk/speakingupforcats