Scotland or Wales - Who will be First in the UK to Have all Councils Scanning Deceased Pets?

Dunbarton Council to Implement Microchip Scanning

Recently, we published an article about how close Wales is to becoming the first all scanning country in the UK, but it looks like Scotland is fast closing in…

In 2016/17, CatsMatter worked hard to survey the entire UK and found that an astonishing 14 councils in Scotland still did not have microchip scanning policies in place for deceased pets found on the road. This meant that for anyone living within one of these 14 councils, there would be no notification of a cat’s tragic end, no burial or cremation and no closure.

Deeming this unacceptable, CatsMatter began to open discussions with the 14 councils in question, and by the end of last year had managed to whittle the total down to 3 with some encouragement. However, due to recent talks with another of the remaining councils, CatsMatter are pleased to announce this number has now been dropped again to 2 with the inclusion of East Dunbarton council.

CatsMatter has been working with East Dunbarton council since 2016 however, due to a change in management, they were unable to take on any new procedures however, in late 2017 they were in a position to re-consider and are now implementing microchip scanning procedures for the area however, the recent inclement weather (particularly in Scotland) has prevents a full roll-out of the new system but the council has confirmed as soon as things clear up, the remaining depots will be brought up to speed and fully equipped to implement the new procedures.

CatsMatter’s Work in Scotland – Better Road Safety for Cats

The results of recent developments for cats rights on roads is thanks to the tireless efforts of CatsMatter in Scotland over the past few years.

CatsMatter works very closely with local MSPs and councillors and at the close of 2017, the successes in Scotland had reached at all-time high.

Following a meeting with members of the Cross-Party Group for Animal Welfare in January, it was agreed that CatMatter would continue to work with the department on new ways of implementing a scanning approach throughout Scotland as well as running an equally important awareness campaign.

These plans are still ongoing, but quickly coming into fruition and will mostly likely come in the form of Government intervention. Whether a mandatory scanning law will come into effect in the near future remains uncertain but these details will become clearer as CatsMatter’s work progresses in the country.

Scottish Councils Not Scanning Deceased Pets for Microchips

The two remaining councils that are not scanning deceased pets for microchips are Highland and East Ayrshire, both of which will be receiving pressure from ministers to adopt a scanning approach.

CatsMatter have been in debates with Highland for years and it’s likely they will be the most challenging to convince.

East Ayrshire’s Council Chief Executive is currently in talks with a very supportive local MP who hopes to persuade them to implement a scanning procedure.

The Issue of Cats Killed on Roads in Scotland

Since returning from Scottish Parliament in January, CatsMatter have also opening discussions with influential MSPs on the issue of scanning as well as road traffic acts in general.

Each proposal currently being drafted aims to minismise the amount of animal deaths on roads throughout Scotland, and the Scottish Government are very keen to see these go through as the issue of road traffic accidents for animals is a big concern. Particularly for much-loved native species such as the wild cat and the red squirrel.

CatsMatter takes no credit for some of the wonderful ideas being proposed to reduce the number of animals killed on roads, such as bridges and underpass tunnels, but are actively involved in the planning of said measures and offering insight into ways of making roads safer for all animals.

CatsMatter have been invited back to Edinburgh to speak out for cats on roads at Scottish Parliament again later this year.