Rejected petition Bobbles’ Law - legal requirement to stop & report all road collisions with cats

Cats are beloved family members, yet the law does not protect them as it does dogs. When a cat is hit by a car the impact on families is profound and immeasurable. However, drivers are currently not required to stop, seek help and report it. This silent gap in the law must change.

More details

We propose updating Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, to make it a legal requirement for drivers to stop and report collisions with cats.

This urgent change to the law is required so that when a cat is hit by a car:
- Owners can be notified and seek immediate veterinary help
- Cats have a greater chance of survival if treated promptly
- Ensures driver vigilance and accountability

We feel it is time that the law reflected the value and vulnerability of all companion animals equally.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

You are more likely to get action on this issue if you sign and share a single petition.

You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action:

Require drivers to stop and take cats to the vets if they hit them in their car
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/728011

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 21 July 2025
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