On a quiet evening, Milo, a beloved cat, darted across the street, only to be struck by a vehicle whose driver sped away without a second thought.  Lying in pain and confusion, it became devastatingly clear that our laws do not equally protect all of our cherished pets. This petition is a call to revise these regulations.

In the UK, if a driver accidentally hits a dog, they are legally obligated to stop and take appropriate action. However, when it comes to cats, there is no such requirement. This discrepancy highlights an inconsistency in how we value the welfare of our furry family members.

According to a 2022 study conducted by Cats Protection, over 230,000 cats are killed on British roads each year. This staggering number indicates a dire need for legislative action. The trauma from these accidents not only impacts the pets but leaves countless families heartbroken.

To address this, I propose that the UK government change the existing law to include cats in the Road Traffic Act of 1988, demanding that drivers:

1. Stop when they hit a cat.
2. Check the cat’s condition and render assistance where possible.
3. Notify the local animal control or take the cat to the nearest veterinarian.
4. Ensure the cat is moved safely away from traffic.

These are not unreasonable actions. Similar laws exist in countries like Ireland and Latvia, where cats are already included in roadside assistance legislation. By adopting these changes, we can significantly reduce the suffering of thousands of cats across Britain.

This issue is personal to many, having witnessed or lost a pet under similar tragic circumstances. Together, let's push to rectify this oversight and ensure a humane and responsible approach to accidents involving cats. Protect our beloved companions by ensuring the law regards them with the same empathy and urgency as it does dogs.

Join me in calling for a legislative change that treats cats with the dignity and care they deserve. Sign this petition to help safeguard our feline friends on the roads.