Roads: Accidents

Department for Transport written question – answered at on 31 July 2026.

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Photo of Lord Black of Brentwood Lord Black of Brentwood Conservative

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any representations they have received which have called for legislation that requires drivers to stop, check and report any road collisions involving cats if they are injured on the road.

Photo of Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Although there is no obligation to report all animal deaths on roads, drivers should, if possible, make enquiries to ascertain the owner of domestic animals, such as cats, and advise them of the situation.

There are, however, no plans to introduce a legal duty for drivers to report collisions with cats. Cats are much smaller than other specified animals, and often most active at dawn or dusk. In many cases drivers, especially those of larger vehicles, may not be aware they have hit them. As such, it would be difficult to prosecute drivers if the law was changed.

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