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

Background

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.

Additional details

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.