A leading roadway security charity is supporting require a modification in the law concerning the obligation of motorists if they run over a cat.
At present, the Roadway Traffic Act 1988 does not need motorists to report accidents with cats to the authorities. Other animals are covered by the legislation, nevertheless.
This follows a current Parliamentary dispute on the topic, set off by a main online petition reaching 102,436 signatures.
‘A nation of animal lovers’
Throughout the Westminster Hall dispute, brought by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, it was kept in mind that around 630 cats are struck by automobiles every day in the UK. This corresponds to almost 230,000 animals each year.
Transportation Minister Richard Holden MP acknowledged throughout the dispute that “Britain is a nation of animal lovers”, together with the “heartbreak caused by the loss of pets”.
Mr Holden likewise said that consisting of cats in the phrasing of the Roadway Traffic Act is “something that the Government are prepared to look at”, however that brand-new “primary legislation would be required” to do so.
Nevertheless, no timeline was provided for this, with higher focus put upon upcoming legislation that will make it mandatory to microchip cats in England.
Chauffeurs ought to ‘do the right thing’
Neil Greig, director of policy and research study at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Chauffeurs are needed by law to stop and report events where they have actually struck a dog, and we have actually experienced automobiles either drive sluggish and with severe care, or stop, when a dog has actually run loose into the roadway. Nevertheless, the very same level of care is seldom observed when a cat goes out – possibly due to the fact that the driver understands that, lawfully, they do not need to stop.
“But if a law requiring drivers to stop if they hit a cat were to be brought in, we believe it could strengthen driver vigilance and responsibility overall – meaning the benefits of the legislation will stretch far beyond the protection of cats.”
Mandy Hobbis, co-founder of Cats Matter, the feline roadway traffic mishap group, included: “Updating this law simply boils down to minimising suffering and saving cats’ lives. Thankfully, many drivers already do the right thing and stop their vehicle to tend to a cat they have run over, regardless of the legislation being in place. However, there are also drivers who sadly need the threat of punishment to act in such circumstances.”
Which animals are covered by the Roadway Traffic Act?
Area 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 covers the obligation of motorists who have an accident with among the following:
- Dogs
- Horses
- Livestock
- Pigs
- Goats
- Sheep
- Donkeys and mules
This suggests if motorists struck any of the above animals, they need to stop and report the accident to the authorities.
It is likewise suggested to call your insurance provider and notify them of the accident.
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