Make a dog injuring or killing a cat a specific offence

3,649
signatures
closedMinistry of JusticeOpened 19 February 2026Closed 19 August 2026

Background

Make it an offence for a dog to kill or seriously injure a cat, whether in public or on private property. Introduce penalties for negligent dog owners and compensation for cat owners that reflects the emotional impact & distress caused plus vet bills or cremation costs.

Additional details

Promote responsible dog ownership. Cats are beloved family members in millions of UK homes, yet there is no specific offence of a cat being attacked by a dog. If a dog kills livestock, another dog, or injures a person, laws are stronger but dog attacks on cats are not specifically covered. Often a dog can kill without consequence. This is unfair and outdated. Cats deserve the same protection as other animals if not more. Their emotional value is immense. Let’s make the law reflect that.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 756774.