Petition · past parliament

Add cats to the animals in the Road Traffic Act 1988

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

Im forming this petition to gain cats equality alongside other animals in the road traffic act 1988, as they are currently as seen as ferrel animals, which means people can drive off in a hit and run without any repercussions.
We urge the inclusion of cats in the Road Traffic Act 1988. As cherished members of households, cats face increasing risks on roads. This amendment would establish clear guidelines, ensuring responsible pet ownership, setting speed limits in relevant areas, and holding accountable those who harm cats. We need to prioritize their safety and harmonize our communities by acknowledging the importance of feline welfare in our legislation.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign the following petitions, which call for similar action:

Make it a specific offence for motorists to hit a cat
Make it a specific offence for motorists to hit a cat

Set 20mph residential speed limit and require drivers stop after hitting a cat
Set 20mph residential speed limit and require drivers stop after hitting a cat

Require drivers who hit a cat to take them to a veterinarian
Require drivers who hit a cat to take them to a veterinarian

Timeline

27 Jan 2024 Petition opened for signatures
6 Feb 2024 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21
Status Rejected
Rejected 6 Feb 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.