Make it a criminal offence to fail to stop after hitting a domestic pet

Rejected 11 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

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.

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 this petition, which calls for similar action: "Legislate to require drivers to report collisions with cats" Legislate to require drivers to report collisions with cats

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

Timeline

30 Mar 2026	Petition opened for signatures
24 Apr 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 11

Status Rejected

Rejected 24 Apr 2026

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