Make it a criminal offence to fail to stop after hitting a domestic pet
We ask the UK Government to make it a criminal offence for drivers to fail to stop and report after hitting a domestic pet, including cats. This should include clear legal duties and penalties to ensure accountability, improve animal welfare, and give owners answers.
Signatures
11
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 11/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 11/100,000
- 24 APR 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign this petition, which calls for similar action: "Legislate to require drivers to report collisions with cats" https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750612 There are existing rules about reporting collisions with dogs and some other animals: "Report a dead or injured animal" https://www.gov.uk/report-dead-animal
- 30 MAR 2026Petition created
Background
We recently lost our 19-year-old cat, Shystie, after he was hit on the road. He was in perfect health, stayed close to home, and was a much-loved family member. There is currently no clear legal duty for drivers to stop and report when they hit a domestic pet like a cat. We believe this should be required by law, with penalties for failing to do so, to give animals a chance of help and provide owners with answers and accountability.