Imagine the heartbreak of not knowing what happened to your beloved pet. Every day, countless cats roam our streets, many of them cherished family members and companions. Tragically, numerous are struck by vehicles, and their owners never find out what really happened. I know firsthand how devastating it can be to lose a pet under such circumstances.

In the UK, it's mandatory to report an incident if you run over a dog or a seagull, but no such requirement exists for cats. This oversight disregards the deep bond that many of us share with our feline companions. Cats are more than just pets—they are family. It is only right that we extend the same respect and consideration to them as we do to other animals.

A 2022 survey by Cats Protection found that approximately 230,000 cats are run over each year in the UK. Without a legal obligation to report these incidents, countless owners are left searching in vain for their lost loved ones, unable to find closure. Implementing a legal requirement to report when a cat is run over would ensure that more pets are reunited with their families, or at the very least, owners are given the opportunity for closure.

By making cat accidents reportable, authorities can maintain proper records, track dangerous areas, and work towards making our streets safer for these vulnerable animals. Additionally, it would allow for the possibility of performing checks for microchips, further helping owners who deeply care for and miss their pets.

Please join me in calling on the UK government to make it a legal requirement to report running over a cat. This change is not only practical but deeply compassionate. Sign this petition to help bring peace and resolution to countless heartbroken pet owners across the nation.