Switzerland examines mandatory microchipping for cats

The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is conducting investigations into mandatory microchipping for cats.

To this end, the office is in consultation with the cantonal veterinary services. It considers a national solution to be desirable.

Such a solution would offer several advantages with regard to animal welfare, the FSVO announced. The report was first published by «Blick». A national solution would provide a sound basis for the enforcement of Swiss animal welfare legislation.

This would place greater responsibility on animal owners. The necessary visit to the veterinarian is also intended to raise awareness among these individuals about health-related issues. Furthermore, a national microchipping solution would provide a basis for studies on the impact on biodiversity, the FSVO wrote.

Effects on the feral cat population

According to the association Katzenfreunde Schweiz, between 100’000 and 300’000 feral cats live in Switzerland. These animals reportedly suffer from a lack of care. The uncontrolled reproduction of cats also affects birds, reptiles and insects, which fall prey to cats.

At the end of 2019, the Federal Council and the National Council had decided against mandatory microchipping. At that time, the assessment of benefits and costs did not indicate any necessity for a binding introduction, according to the FSVO.

Since then, however, the situation has changed, as the issue has been raised in various cantons through parliamentary motions. A national solution appears more targeted than a patchwork of cantonal regulations, according to the FSVO.