Make hit-and-run incidents involving cats illegal

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The Issue

We lost our beloved cat to a hit-and-run incident. It wasn't just the suddenness of his absence that hurt, but the knowledge that someone drove off after hitting him, leaving him on the road as if his life didn’t matter. This has left our family heartbroken, and we believe no other family should have to endure such pain due to reckless and insensible driving behavior.

Current laws in many regions, including the UK, require drivers to report road accidents involving dogs, horses, or livestock, but sadly, cats are often overlooked despite being cherished pets like any other. The time has come to address this disparity. Cats deserve recognition under the law, and their lives should be valued equally.

In 2022, an estimated 230,000 cats were killed on roads in the UK. That’s an alarming statistic that highlights the urgent need for legislative change. We propose expanding Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to include mandatory reporting and attending to cats involved in road accidents. Such a change would not only enhance the accountability of drivers but also promote a sense of responsibility and compassion within our communities.

By enforcing stricter regulations against hit-and-run incidents involving felines, drivers might think twice before leaving the scene. Drivers should be required to report the accident to local authorities and, where possible, safely move the injured animal off the road to avoid further harm, all within a reasonable timeframe.

Join us in advocating for this humane and necessary change. Help us ensure that our roads are safer for our feline friends and that families like ours never have to experience such preventable heartache again. Your signature can help push legislation that holds drivers accountable and gives voice to our voiceless companions.

Please sign this petition to demand that the government amends laws to criminalize leaving the scene of an accident involving a cat. Together, we can make a difference and protect our feline family members from being forgotten by the law.

The Decision Makers

United Kingdom Department for Transport
United Kingdom Department for Transport

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