The UK’s current laws regarding road traffic accidents that involve pets dictate that drivers must stop and inform the police if they hit dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep, but not cats. In light of this, there is a campaign to change the law so that cats are treated the same way as other pets. The campaign is backed by experts from LeaseCar.uk, who feel that cats deserve the same protection under the law as their furry counterparts.
At present, drivers who accidentally hit a cat have no legal obligation to inform the authorities or the cat’s owner. This can leave cat owners in a state of distress when their beloved pets disappear, not knowing whether they are being cared for, injured, or worse.
The campaign for cat road safety has gained traction recently when a pet owner who lost her cat in a hit-and-run incident reached 100,000 signatures on a petition to change the law. Although the petition was debated in parliament, there are currently no plans to make it an offence. However, campaigners are hoping that the government will show compassion towards cat owners and make the necessary changes to the law.
The proposal by LeaseCar.uk is that drivers who hit a cat should be legally required to report the incident to the police. Those who fail to do so could face a fine of up to £1,000. The proposal aims to discourage drivers from leaving cats on the roadside, without reporting the accident.
According to LeaseCar.uk’s spokesperson, Tim Alcock, the lack of law surrounding cats and road accidents is a significant concern. It not only leaves cat owners in a vacuum of grief but also encourages people to think that leaving a defenceless animal on the side of the road is acceptable.
Cats are increasingly becoming a beloved pet in the UK. They are often referred to as ‘fur babies’ and are considered a part of the family. They offer affection, companionship, and comfort and provide a form of therapy for those who need it. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that cat owners should be entitled to the same rights as other pet owners.
As Alcock explains, “It’s not uncommon to see a poster for a missing cat on a lamppost or in a shop window, and in many cases, the missing pet will have been the victim of a road accident. But as the law stands, there’s no requirement for the owner to even be informed. It’s heartbreaking to lose a cat, for many they’re a member of the family, which is why we want to support the change in the law to show their importance.”
LeaseCar.uk’s proposal highlights the importance of cat welfare and the need for people to treat them with the same level of care and respect as they treat dogs, horses, and other animals. By changing the law, cat owners can rest assured that their pets will receive the same level of protection in the event of a road traffic accident.
In conclusion, the campaign to change the law regarding cat road safety is gaining momentum in the UK, and LeaseCar.uk’s proposal highlights the importance of treating cats with the same level of respect as other pets. Cats are treasured by their owners and are becoming an increasingly popular household pet. As such, their welfare should be taken seriously, and it is crucial to ensure they are included under the same laws that protect other pets. By making these changes, cat owners can rest assured that their furry companions receive the same level of care and protection as their other four-legged friends.
