Cat hit-and-runs must stop, warns road safety charity
Motorists in Britain could soon be legally obligated to report any collisions with cats on the road, as IAM RoadSmart calls for new legislation that would provide felines comparable protection under law. Under current regulations of the 1988 Road Traffic Act, drivers must declare if they collide with a horse, dog or other farm animal while driving; however neither reporting nor seeking help from veterinarians is required by law when crashing into cats. In order to create parity among animals and end hit-and-run incidents involving our feline friends -IAM RoadSmart takes action in demanding legal recognition of their safety rights.
Tragically, every day 630 cats in the UK are hit by cars. A 2022 Parliament motion heard that this number amounts to a staggering 230,000 cats each year - and kittens aged seven months to two years old were found to be most at risk of being involved in such accidents. Following an e-petition amassing over 100k signatures which prompted debate on 9 January 2021 amongst MPs including transport minister Richard Holden who acknowledged the ‘heartbreak caused’ from cat accident casualties; IAM RoadSmart have called for urgent action before more lives are put needlessly at risk
IAM RoadSmart believes new legislation requiring drivers to stop if they hit a cat could make UK roads safer for everyone. With existing laws already in place that require drivers to report incidents where they have struck a dog, the same level of caution and responsibility needs to be applied when cats are involved as well. By strengthening vigilance on the road, not only will this help protect felines from harm but also keep all other roadway users safe too!
Mandy Hobbis of Cats Matter, a group committed to reducing feline road traffic accidents, believes it's vital we prioritize minimizing suffering and saving cats' lives. Unfortunately there are still drivers who need the threat of legal punishment before they will act; currently these individuals can legally drive away after hitting a cat without any consequence. With millions loving their cats as part of the family nationwide, this is unacceptable - so let’s ensure our beloved felines receive the same protection on our roads that dogs do!
