TL:DR
- The UK government has no plans to mandate reporting collisions with cats despite a petition with nearly 11,000 signatures.
- Cats and wild animals are not included in the Road Traffic Act 1988, which only covers specific farm animals.
- The government cites difficulties in prosecuting drivers as reasons for the current law, noting that many drivers may be unaware of hitting a cat.
- Advocacy group Cats Matter expresses disappointment, emphasising the need for protections similar to those for dogs.
No plans to force drivers to report collisions with cats, government says
The UK government has ruled out plans to require drivers to report collisions involving cats, despite an e-petition garnering nearly 11,000 signatures advocating for such a law. Currently, cats are excluded from the Road Traffic Act 1988, which obliges drivers to report accidents only involving specified animals.
The absence of legal requirements for reporting cat collisions stems from historical laws that focused on working animals rather than domestic pets. A government statement highlighted the challenges in prosecuting drivers due to the small size and elusive behaviour of cats, often active during twilight hours.
### What Happened
A government announcement confirmed that there are no intentions to amend existing legislation concerning pet animals. The statement acknowledged the emotional distress caused when beloved pets are harmed, but reiterated that those behind the wheel may be unaware of a collision, especially when larger vehicles are involved.
The absence of statutory reporting is further compounded by the legislation being originally enacted for working animals, such as dogs and livestock.
### Stakeholders – Who’s Involved
The campaign group Cats Matter has been actively lobbying for a change in legislation, voicing their disappointment with the government’s response. Co-founder Mandy Hobbis critiqued the current laws, advocating for the humane treatment of all pets, including cats.
Additionally, charity Cats Protection highlighted the dangers cats face on roads and called for stronger measures to support injured animals, urging drivers to take any injured cat to the vet.
#### Reaction and Fallout
Community reactions have been mixed, with strong sentiments expressed by animal welfare advocates who believe that domestic pets deserve equal protection under the law. Hobbis’s statements conveyed frustration over what she perceives as a disconnect between the government’s compassion and its legislative action.
### What Will Happen Next
The Cats Matter group aims to continue advocating for legislative changes, and the issue may gain further traction if the e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures, prompting a parliamentary debate.
Meanwhile, cats’ welfare organisations will likely push for broader public awareness on the importance of reporting such incidents, alongside promoting responsible pet ownership.