Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Remove the ‘right to roam’ status applicable to domesticated cats

Closed 268 signatures

What the petition asks

We feel it is now time to end the 'right to roam' for cats. Cats can have a serious impact on wildlife. A study published in 2022 estimated that cats kill 160 to 270 million animals every year, 25% of them are birds.
Secondly, cats can leave droppings in private gardens which can cause series illnesses such as toxoplasmosis. Thirdly, cats can destroy flower beds, lawns and pots. Finally, cats themselves are at risk. Every day in the UK 630 cats are killed in road traffic accidents. Some families have no idea what has happened to their beloved pet.

Timeline

6 May 2025 Petition opened for signatures
6 Nov 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 268
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 6 May 2025
Closed 6 Nov 2025

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 6 Aug 2026.