Drivers in the UK could soon face a new legal requirement to stop and report collisions with cats, following a petition that has garnered significant support. The petition, which has already collected 38,432 signatures, urges the Labour Party government to amend current legislation that does not mandate drivers to stop after hitting a cat.
Current Legal Loophole
Under existing UK law, it is legal to hit a cat while driving without the need to stop or report the incident. This leaves injured cats scared, alone, and in pain, according to petition creator Carlie Power. The petition states: "Cats are important, loved, valued family members for many and we believe the law should reflect this."
Proposed Changes
The petition calls for the government to legislate requiring drivers to stop, check, and report any road collisions with cats if they are injured. It also seeks to hold drivers accountable if they fail to stop and report such incidents, on the basis that they left a cat to unnecessarily suffer. Power describes the request as "a perfectly reasonable and simple ask."
Next Steps
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the government will be forced to debate the proposals in Parliament. Currently, the petition is well on its way, with over a third of the target achieved.
Current RAC Advice
The RAC advises drivers who hit any animal to turn on hazard lights, stop when safe, switch off the engine, and check for injuries. Drivers must report collisions with dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, and mules to the police. For injured cats, drivers are advised to contact animal welfare organizations such as the RSPCA (England and Wales), Scottish SPCA, or USPCA (Northern Ireland).
This potential change would align cats with other animals already protected under the Road Traffic Act, ensuring they receive prompt medical attention and reducing unnecessary suffering.
