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Charity's plea for new feline hit-and-run legislation
Around 230,000 cats in the UK are hit by cars every year.
IAM RoadSmart wants drivers to stop if they hit a cat and report the incident.

A leading road safety charity is calling for a new law to bring an end to feline hit-and-run incidents.

IAM RoadSmart says the proposed legislation would make it a requirement for drivers who strike cats on UK roads to stop, report the collision to the police and seek help from a vet.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers must report any accidents involving animals, including dogs, pigs, sheep and horses, to the police. However, the same protection does not extend to cats, and drivers are not currently required to report incidents.

The plea from IAM RoadSmart for equal treatment for cats follows a parliamentary debate on the issue in January, triggered by an online petition that garnered some 102,000 signatures. During the discussion, a number of MPs spoke in support of the appeal, including transport minister Richard Holden who acknowledged the “heartbreak caused by the loss of pets”.

Research by Petplan found that around 230,000 cats in the UK are hit by cars every year, averaging 630 every day. The same study also found that kittens are at the highest risk of being hit, with half of all cats struck by vehicles aged between seven months and two years.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, believes the proposed law changes could help keep all road users, as well as cats, safer on UK roads.

He said: “Drivers are required by law to stop and report incidents where they have hit a dog, and we have witnessed cars either drive slow and with extreme caution, or stop, when a dog has run loose into the road. However, the same level of care is rarely observed when a cat runs out – perhaps because the driver knows that, legally, they do not have to stop.

“If a law requiring drivers to stop if they hit a cat were to be brought in, we believe it could strengthen driver vigilance and responsibility overall - meaning the benefits of the legislation will stretch far beyond the protection of cats.” 

Mandy Hobbis, co-founder of feline traffic accident group, Cats Matter, added: “Updating this law simply boils down to minimising suffering and saving cats' lives. Thankfully, many drivers already do the right thing and stop their vehicle to tend to a cat they have run over, regardless of the legislation being in place. However, there are also drivers who sadly need the threat of punishment to act in such circumstances.  

“It simply can’t be right that drivers can hit a cat and legally leave them alone, scared, or worse, left to die. Like dogs, cats are loved members of the family for millions of households up and down the country, so we see no reason why sad instances of the nation’s beloved cats being run over on the road should not be treated in the same way.” 

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."