A CAMPAIGN group is calling on people in Worcester to support a change in the law to help cats injured on the road.
CatsMatter wants a legal requirement for drivers to stop and offer assistance if they hit someone’s beloved pet, similar to existing laws for dogs.
The group’s e-petition was inspired by the death of a cat named Henry, who was left to die after being struck by a vehicle.
In a letter to supporters, the group said: “We just can’t understand why we have to fight to get a bit of decency legislated for.
“How in 2026 is it OK in the UK to hit a cat and leave them scared, alone, in pain, or worse, roadside?”
Henry was struck by a vehicle and left to die alone in the night (Image: CatsMatter)
Under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act, drivers must report collisions involving dogs, but cats are not included.
Campaigners argue that the current law is “inconsistent and outdated,” noting that some dog breeds are smaller and less visible than the average cat.
CatsMatter said: “If detectability were the criterion, small dogs would also be excluded, yet they are not.
“A modernised duty based on awareness of collision, rather than species, would be more coherent and more humane.”
Petition to require drivers to report collisions with cats passes 11,000
Martin Lewis explains why dog owners face bills but cat owners often do not
Cat owners given 3 month warning to avoid £500 fine ahead of new legislation
The group clarified that their proposed change would not criminalise drivers who are genuinely unaware of a collision, but would require those who are aware to stop when safe and take reasonable steps to assist, such as contacting a vet or the local authority.
They said: “This would reduce unnecessary suffering, increase the number of injured animals receiving help, and align the law with public expectations of responsible behaviour.”
A campaign on the government and parliament petition website calling for this change has already gathered more than 30,000 signatures.
The campaigners aim to reach 100,000 signatures to trigger a parliamentary debate.
On the petition page, the government responded: “The government has no current plans to require drivers to report collisions with cats.
“However, the Road Safety Strategy will improve road safety for all road users, including cats and other animals.”
