Animals Federal government plans national chip requirement for cats
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is investigating the possibility of a compulsory chip for cats. To this end, the Office is in contact with the cantonal veterinary services. It considers a national solution to be welcome.
13.12.2024, 11:40
SDA
Such a solution would bring several advantages in terms of animal welfare, the FSVO told the Keystone-SDA news agency on Friday. This was first reported in the Blick newspaper. A national solution would be a good basis for the enforcement of Swiss animal welfare legislation.
This would make animal keepers more responsible. The necessary visit to the vet should also make these people more aware of health issues. Furthermore, a national chip solution would provide a basis for studies on the impact on biodiversity, wrote the FSVO.
100,000 to 300,000 feral cats live in Switzerland, according to the Swiss Cat Friends Association. They suffer from the fact that no one takes care of them. Birds, reptiles and insects that fall victim to cats also suffer from the uncontrolled proliferation of cats.
At the end of 2019, the Federal Council and National Council decided against mandatory chipping. According to the FSVO, weighing up the benefits and costs at the time, there was no need for a mandatory introduction.
Since then, however, the situation has changed, as the issue has been raised in various cantons by means of initiatives. According to the FSVO, a national solution seems more expedient than a cantonal patchwork.
