Written question asked by Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Accidents

Question: 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.

Answer

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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL2183
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Accidents Roads Cats
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Roads: Accidents

Secondary information

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