Scanning for microchip of deceased cats and dogs

Pet owners should be reassured that deceased cats and dogs are scanned for microchips in order to help trace their owners.

The remains of all cats and dogs recovered by the Ceredigion County Council’s Street Cleaning Team are routinely scanned for the presence of microchips, although it is not always possible to read all the data.

If a microchip is detected, the remains of the animal is, wherever possible, taken to a vet for further investigation. In cases where the microchip can be read, the vet can use the information to trace and contact the owner directly.

Councillor Alun Williams, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Assets, Transport and Carbon Management, said: “Pets are extremely important to people and it can be very worrying when they go missing and the owner doesn’t know what has happened. This scanning service provided by the Council, along with the contact details for reporting animals missing, can be very helpful to let owners know if their pet has been found.”

The remains of all cats and dogs collected by the Street Cleaning Team, regardless of whether or not the animals have been microchipped, are, as a matter of course, stored in freezers at Glanyrafon Depot for a period of two weeks from removal from site, to give owners the chance to report a loss and to claim the remains.

Missing cats and dogs can be reported to Ceredigion County Council’s Contact Centre on 01545 572572 or by emailing technical.services@ceredigion.gov.uk