Cat owners are being warned of new £500 fines following the implementation of a new law from Monday.

Following the implementation of legislation on Monday, owners are being warned of £500 fines if their cats do not follow the new regulations.

All cat owners in England must now ensure their pets are microchipped as new legislation came into force on June 10.

They must be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks, with their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database, approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Natural Affairs (DEFRA).

Gov.uk said: “Microchips are safe and easy to implant with an average cost of around £25 for microchipping and registration. Charities and reputable cat rescue organisations may be able to microchip your cat for a reduced rate.”

The legal deadline was confirmed in legislation laid in March 2023, giving owners over a year to comply with the new requirements. Failing to comply with the law could now see owners receive a fine of up to £500.

Cats Protection said that of the nine million cats in England, 2.2 million are not yet chipped.