Road Traffic Collisions Involving Cats

He mentioned hosting a Cats Protection event with support from 76 MPs and peers, expressing disappointment in the Government's response to the petition on microchipping and urging them to reconsider their stance. Mr Slaughter questioned why national highways contractors are required to identify cats in certain situations but not generally. He pointed out the anomaly in Government's approach regarding reporting requirements for major trunk roads and motorways.

The MP questioned the necessity of primary legislation for changes, asking what would be discussed if it is not flexible. She also inquired about the possibility of introducing secondary legislation to facilitate changes.

Emphasised the importance of changing rule 286 of the highway code to include cats, arguing for compulsory microchipping. Raised concerns about local authority resources needed for scanning animals and informing owners. Criticised the Government's record on animal welfare, citing delays in implementing measures with public support.

Agreed that adding 'cat' into legislation would achieve what has been set out in this debate. He criticised the Government's position on the non-enforceability of reporting a hit-and-run involving cats, arguing it was straightforward to enforce reporting. Mr Daly inquired why the Government preferred best practice guidance over a legal requirement for reporting collisions involving cats.

She commended the work of Cats Protection Giffnock in her constituency, which keeps this issue in public view, ensuring that cat owners are notified if their pets have been involved in accidents.

Ms Nici highlighted the importance of cats in society, noting their role as pest controllers. She shared a personal anecdote about rescuing an injured cat named Stevie and emphasised that most cats have owners who would be devastated by their loss. She questioned why cats were treated differently under the law compared to other animals, particularly if they are stolen.

She suggested that local authorities should receive more support to ensure they have the necessary resources to scan lost cats and dogs and notify their owners.

She expressed concerns about the delay in making cat microchipping compulsory as previously committed by the Government before the end of last year. Ms Ferrier expressed concern that local authorities' best practice of scanning cats for microchips could change due to budgetary restrictions, leaving policies too open to variation.

He noted the increase in pet ownership during the covid pandemic, highlighting the importance of companionship for people living alone. He emphasised the tragedy of pets being run over by vehicles.

Avid campaigner for cat protection who is here representing her lost pet and advocating for change in current legislation regarding road traffic accidents involving pets.

Welcomed the debate on road traffic collisions involving cats, emphasizing the distress cat owners face when their pets go missing or are involved in accidents. Called for parity in legal recognition between dogs and cats under the Road Traffic Act 1988, highlighting the need for compulsory microchipping of cats as per the Tory manifesto commitment. Highlighted that around 70% of cats in Scotland are already microchipped but 227,000 remain unchipped. Cited Petplan's estimate of 630 cats run over daily and supported Cats Protection's work on scanning for microchips. Urged the government to introduce compulsory cat microchipping to ensure lost or stolen cats can be reunited with their owners. The MP expressed delight at hearing about the move towards compulsory microchipping for cats and inquired whether the Minister shares Blue Cross's view on registering cats on a single database for efficient reunification efforts.

He introduced a presentation Bill on the compulsory microchipping of cats and highlighted the need for parity with other animals under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which does not currently cover cats. The MP highlights that current legislation does not cover cats, as it was designed with livestock in mind. He supports the need for microchipping to identify pet cats. Asked my hon. Friend whether legislation to require people to stop and report should be designed with regard to the alleviation of pain and suffering, irrespective of what animal it is. Stressed the need for local authorities to have resources for scanning deceased cats and ensuring they are identified, echoing points made by other MPs. Asked if the road safety review will address adding cats to section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Ms Murray declared her interest as a cat owner and co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on cats. She argued that cats should receive the same treatment as other animals under section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, noting that cats often work in rural areas by keeping vermin down. Ms Murray shared personal stories involving incidents where cats were injured or killed in road traffic collisions and highlighted the lack of statistics for such accidents, which hinder efforts to implement road safety measures. My hon. Friend suggested that Members might bring forward a ten-minute rule Bill or private Member's Bill to amend the Act if primary legislation is needed.