UK petition seeks law to require reporting cat collisions

A petition demanding a legal requirement for drivers to report collisions with cats is gaining momentum in the UK, with organizers racing to secure 100,000 signatures before it closes in less than two weeks. The petition, hosted on the official Parliament website, had surpassed 66,000 signatures as of early June 2026.

The campaign seeks to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988, which currently obliges drivers to stop and report accidents involving horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, or dogs, but notably excludes cats. The petition argues that this legal gap leaves injured cats to suffer and fails to recognize their status as beloved family pets. Organizers state they do not seek to penalize drivers for accidents but want accountability for those who drive away without attempting to help.

Recent data from PetPlan estimates that approximately 230,000 cats are struck by vehicles each year in the UK. With an estimated 12.2 million cats living in British households, the issue resonates with a significant portion of the population. A 2018 survey indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents believed the law should be changed to include cats.

Because the petition surpassed 10,000...