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Most drivers would break law if they hit a dog, research finds
Blue Cross urges road users and pet owners to 'Paws, Prevent and Protect'.
Eighty-six per cent would not contact the police.

A new survey from Blue Cross has revealed that 86 per cent of drivers would break the law after hitting a dog by not informing the police.

It has now launched its ‘Blue Cross Code’ campaign, which encourages drivers and pet owners to act cautiously when using the roads this winter.

The charity’s research was motivated by estimations that 80,000 dogs and 230,000 cats are hit by a car on UK roads each year. Blue Cross sought to understand how drivers respond to these instances.

The survey revealed that 54 per cent of drivers would stop their vehicle and take a wounded dog to a veterinary practice, while 16 per cent said they would knock on nearby doors to find the dog’s owner.

However, 16 per cent of drivers admitted that they would prioritise their journey if they hit a dog, increasing to 35 per cent of young drivers.

In all of these cases, the driver would be breaking UK law by not contacting the police after hitting a dog. The same law does not apply to cats.

Inspired by the famous 1970s Green Cross Code campaign, the Blue Cross has now created its own ‘Blue Cross Code’. The safety initiative encourages both drivers and pet owners to be aware of the risks on the road in the winter with three guiding principles: Paws, Prevent and Protect.

Firstly, people should ‘paws’ – ‘stop, look and think’. They need to be aware of who they are sharing the road with.

Dogs should be kept on leads when they are walked near roads and kept on the inside of the pavement. Road users should drive slowly and be aware of any animals on the road.

The second principle is ‘prevent’, which advises pet owners to consider what they can do to prevent their pet coming to danger. Motorists should check there are no cats hiding underneath their vehicle when they start their journey.

Finally, Blue Cross asks that pet owners and motorists ‘protect’ the wellbeing of animals by thinking about what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome in the event of an accident.

If a motorist does hit a dog, it is a legal requirement that they contact the police in the first instance. They can then cover the pet and take them to the nearest veterinary practice.

Paul Manktelow, chief veterinary surgeon at Blue Cross, said: “As the clocks go back and those longer, darker winter nights draw in, the safety of all road users is something everyone should consider before they or their four-legged friend leaves the house.
 
“So let’s all follow the code’s three simple rules of Paws, Prevent and Protect - and hopefully we’ll have no heartbreaks this winter.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.