Let me share a personal story with you. Our beloved cat, Salem, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident. Our heartbreak is a feeling shared by too many cat owners who have experienced the same horrific incident. An alarming number of cats are hit by vehicles, and currently, drivers are not obliged by law to stop – a stark contrast to the regulations surrounding dogs.

The disparity is evident and unfair. It is time for a change. A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2016, confirms a high incidence of traffic-related deaths amongst the feline population. It also essentially underscores a deeply distressing reality that needs to be addressed immediately. (CJ Stavisky et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2016)

We need a law that effectively mirrors the protection offered to dogs, which legally mandates drivers to stop if they hit one. A law that binds drivers to take responsibility whenever they hit a cat with their vehicle can save numerous lives and spare countless families the pain of losing a beloved animal companion in such a tragic way.

On behalf of all feline-loving households who have suffered because of these senseless, preventable deaths, we implore our lawmakers to act. Change this current policy, make the roads safer for our four-legged friends and feasible for us to attain justice for them. Please sign this petition and help us encourage the legislation to include cats in the existing road traffic law. Your signature can make a vital difference to countless families and feline lives.