Petition to make drivers report collisions with cats nears 200,000 signatures

Tiya Ivy and Mandy Hobbis from CatsMatter

A campaign calling for drivers to be legally required to report collisions with cats is approaching 200,000 signatures as supporters make a final push before a parliamentary petition closes this week.

The CatsMatter campaign says current laws leave thousands of owners without answers when their pets are hit on the roads.

The petition, which closes on 17 June, is calling on the Government to change the law so drivers must report collisions involving cats.

Under current legislation, drivers are legally required to report collisions involving certain animals including dogs, horses, cattle and sheep, but cats are not included.

Campaigners argue this leaves many injured cats without urgent help and prevents owners from knowing what has happened to their pets.

CatsMatter says its petition has attracted more than 176,000 signatures and has seen a surge in support in recent days, gaining more than 100,000 signatures in just 10 days.

The campaign is aiming to reach 200,000 signatures before the petition closes.

Supporters say cats are the UK's second most common companion animal and should receive the same legal protections as dogs when involved in road traffic collisions.

The campaign has attracted national attention and has been featured by several media outlets. Social media support from pet influencers has also helped boost awareness of the petition.

If a parliamentary petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it becomes eligible for consideration for a debate in Parliament, although debates are not guaranteed.

CatsMatter says the proposed change would provide greater consistency in roadside animal welfare laws while helping reunite owners with missing pets and ensuring injured animals receive treatment more quickly.

The petition remains open until 17 June.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750612