Today, I faced an unimaginable heartbreak when my beloved cat was killed by a speeding motorist. It happened on a 30mph road, but the driver was travelling so fast that my cat was left with no face. This tragic incident has left a deep void in my life, and it has highlighted a glaring omission in our legal framework - the exclusion of cats from the Road Traffic Act.

Current UK law requires that drivers report a collision with dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, and mules to the police. However, cats are not afforded the same legal recognition or protection. This oversight not only disregards the lives of thousands of cherished pets but also leaves countless cat owners without closure or justice when a tragedy occurs.

According to Cats Protection, there are an estimated 10.9 million pet cats in the UK. Despite their significant presence in our lives and communities, cats remain unprotected by the Road Traffic Act. In 2019, it was estimated that 230,000 cats are killed on UK roads each year, yet many of these incidents go unreported due to the lack of legal obligation.

It is time for the UK government to acknowledge this oversight and amend the Road Traffic Act to include cats in its provisions. By doing so, motorists will be required to report when they hit a cat, offering grieving owners much-needed information and the chance to seek veterinary care when possible. Moreover, this change would foster a culture of responsibility and care on our roads, encouraging drivers to be more vigilant and considerate.

We urge the UK Parliament, the Department for Transport, and relevant authorities to act swiftly in amending the Road Traffic Act to include the reporting of accidents involving cats. Every pet owner deserves the peace of mind that should any mishap occur, they will have the support of the law to find closure.

Please support this petition to protect the feline members of our families and ensure that their lives are respected and their deaths are acknowledged by signing this petition today.