On a heartbreaking Friday, my beloved cat was run over by a passing vehicle and suffered injuries so severe that we had no choice but to put her to sleep. The agony and helplessness I felt in that moment are beyond description; it is a pain I do not wish upon anyone else. My cat was not just a pet, she was family, and she deserved so much more consideration than the driver gave by speeding away without stopping.

This is not an isolated incident. Thousands of cats are run over each year, with many drivers failing to stop and take responsibility for their actions. In the United States alone, it's estimated that millions of cats roam freely, and with increased urbanization, the likelihood of accidents is higher than ever before.

This petition calls for a change in legislation to make it mandatory for drivers who hit an animal, like a cat, to stop and report the incident. Similar laws exist for larger animals, such as dogs, in several states, recognizing the need for accountability and the opportunity to possibly save the animal's life.

Requiring drivers to stop will not only provide a chance for the animal to receive potentially life-saving help, but it will also offer an opportunity for witnesses to gather information which can help owners find closure or seek justice. Additional measures could include creating awareness programs about the importance of stopping and rendering aid, as well as incentivizing drivers to take necessary actions.

Taking this step will ensure that fewer families have to suffer the heartache that we did and will promote a more compassionate and responsible society.

Please sign this petition to help stop this negligence and ensure that our laws offer protection for all animals involved in road accidents.