As a cat rescue charity in Northern Ireland, we receive heart-wrenching messages far too often about beloved feline friends tragically killed on the roads. It's in these painful moments that we strive to bring some small comfort to grieving families by collecting the deceased cats and taking them to local veterinarians to be scanned for microchips. This simple act can reunite heartbroken families with their lost pets for a final goodbye, providing closure in their time of loss.

Currently, councils in Northern Ireland are tasked with removing deceased animals from roadsides, yet, these beloved pets are not being scanned for microchips before they are removed. This overlooked opportunity deprives families of the chance to know what happened to their missing cats, denying them the possibility of closure and a heartfelt farewell.

It’s time for a change. We urge the Northern Ireland councils to adopt a compassionate policy to scan every deceased cat for identification. Microchipping is now a common practice and it represents a vital link between lost pets and their distraught owners. Implementing this initiative would not only honour the bond between humans and their pets but would also respect responsible pet ownership.

We propose a straightforward solution: Councils should scan all deceased cats for microchips. This simple act can bring comfort to pet owners. We would also like to request that councils work alongside vets to dispose of deceased cats appropriately and respectfully. 

Please sign this petition to require all councils in Northern Ireland to scan deceased cats for microchips, honouring the special bond between pet owners and their animals, and easing the pain of those who have lost their beloved pets.