Our world shattered on the evening of September 3rd, 2024. We found our beautiful cat, Figgy, bleeding , lying in agony outside our house.  We rushed her to the local vet hospital who confirmed our worst fears—Figgy had been hit by a vehicle. Her hip was dislocated, her spine was gravely injured, and her ribs were broken . She was unable to pull through and sadly Figgy left us, tragically. We could do nothing but take her home & bury her, leaving a void and many questions. Her death was not just tragic but also a stark reminder of a serious issue: the lack of legal protection for cats under traffic laws in the UK, unlike dogs.

As the BBC noted in 2019, motorists who run over a dog are legally obligated to report it to the police, but no such law exists for cats ('Roadkill Cats: Why do some drivers hit and run?' BBC News, 2019). This disparity leaves cats like Figgy vulnerable and, worse, leaves their human companions grappling with untold grief and rage.

By making the killing of cats illegal under UK traffic law, we can improve the safety of our feline friends and send a clear message that all pets are equally deserving of protection. Cats are not just pets; they're part of our families. In loving memory of Figgy and countless other cats whose lives were cut short on our roads, let's push for this imperative change in law.

We urge all pet lovers, cat owners, and animal rights activists to support this petition. Let's ensure that Figgy didn't die in vain. Please sign this petition and let's fight for the law amendment we desperately need.