AN ANIMAL charity in Basingstoke and Andover is offering free microchipping for cats after new laws came into force earlier this month.
RSPCA Basingstoke and Andover is offering the service for free to people on benefits at Oakridge Hall For All in Forsythia Walk, Basingstoke.
The charity is offering the service after a new law came into force making microchipping cats compulsory to make it easier for lost or stray cats to be reunited with their owners.
READ MORE: RSPCA celebrates 200th birthday during its ‘busiest week’ in Hampshire
Under the new legislation, which came into force on June 10, owners must ensure their cat is microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks, or they may face a fine.
To receive the free service, cat owners must bring their animal, as well as proof of benefits to the centre.
The charity says that anyone who is not eligible can still have their pet microchipped for £12.
Sarah Biro, who has been volunteering at the RSPCA for 16 years, said that Companion Care Vets, a vet surgery partnered with Vets at Home, will be supporting the event.
She added: "It promotes good animal ownership, and in turn, helps us to get people's animals back to them if they become lost, or strays."
The event will run from 11am until 2pm on Sunday, June 23. All owners are asked to ensure their cat is in a safe carrier, to ensure their safety.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here