Experts have called for current laws to be expanded
Motoring experts are demanding changes to driving laws as they apply to certain household pets. This follows the Department for Transport issuing a response to a petition calling for a change to the law.
The campaign called for legal changes so that drivers who hit a cat would be required to report the incident and take the animal to a vet. The parliamentary petition had garnered backing from over 10,000 people, forcing the Government to provide an official response.
Ministers said they have “no plans” to introduce such changes. The department pointed to existing legislation that requires drivers to stop and report collisions involving what are classified as working animals.
This covers horses, cattle, ass, mules, sheep, pigs, goats and even dogs, but excludes cats or wild animals from such requirements. Motoring specialists at Auto Express are now advocating for the law to be change to include cats.
Consumer reporter Tom Jervis said: “Auto Express believes that the law should be altered to include the reporting of road collisions with cats, something any responsible motorist would do anyway.” In their official response to the petition, the DfT explained: “Because cats are much smaller than other specified animals, and often most active at dawn or dusk, in many cases drivers may not be aware they’ve hit them – particularly with larger vehicles.
“Because of that, it would be difficult to prosecute drivers if the law was changed.” However, the Auto Express team argued this reasoning falls flat on its face.
Mr Jervis said: “The argument that cats are often too small is contradicted by the fact that many dog breeds are comparable in size to their feline counterparts, but are nevertheless offered legal protection.” The experts pointed out that the only scenario where motorists could face prosecution for striking a cat would be if they were found to have acted intentionally, which could result in charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Report it to the police
Mr Jervis said there are some important steps to take if you do hit a cat. He said: “For now, if you do inadvertently hit a cat, we recommend that you make enquiries in the local area to see if anyone knows the owner.
“Failing that, contact the police and/or a vet in order to return it to its owner and hopefully provide it with some treatment. While doing so isn’t strictly required by the law of the land, it’s definitely the most ethical and responsible thing to do.”
