Wellington councillors vote to microchip cats

Wellington cats will have to be micro-chipped over an 18-month grace period. Photo / Supplied

Wellington councillors have voted to require cats to be microchipped.

The Wellington City Council's environment committee considered the bylaw this morning.

The vote, which is subject to money being allocated by the council's annual plan, would mean cat owners have 18 months to microchipped their pets.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association supported the move.

Spokesman Callum Irvine says microchipping is the best way to identify cats and is near infallible.