Stourbridge MP backs 180,000 strong petition to force drivers to report running over cats on UK roads
Cats Matter are campaigning to make it mandatory for drivers to report running down cats - and the petition has surpassed 180,000 signatures so far.
A Stourbridge MP has backed a 180,000 strong petition to force drivers to report when they have run down a cat on UK roads.
Labour politician Cat Eccles has voiced her support for the Cats Matter campaign which was launched in December 2025 inspired by a cat named Henry, who was struck by a car and left to die alone in the early hours of April 29, 2017.
It is currently legal in the UK to not stop and report when a cat has been hit - with some drivers leaving injured pets scared, alone, and in pain. But Cats Matter hope to change that by urging the Government to make it mandatory to report.
The petition has gained more than 180,000 signatures, at the time of writing and is the fourth highest trending petition in the country at the moment, according to UK Petition Tracker. Surpassing 100,000 signatures was the goal to bring the issue before Parliament - and now MP for Stourbridge Cat Eccles has declared her support.
In a post on her official Facebook Page, she said: “Together with campaigners from CatsMatter, I'm calling for urgent reform of the UK’s roadside animal protection laws. There is currently no legal duty in the UK for drivers to stop and assist if they are involved in a collision and it is safe to do so — a requirement already in place in jurisdictions such as Italy and Hong Kong.
“Around 230,000 cats are hit by cars in the UK each year, and it's vital there are reforms to better protect pets and support owners affected by road traffic incidents. What's more, confusion around the current law creates uncertainty as to whether stopping is permitted or professionally advisable.
“A clear statutory duty would support all those who drive for work‑related reasons, ensuring that acting responsibly cannot be misinterpreted as misconduct, lateness or a breach of commercial expectations.
“I’m so grateful to CatsMatter for their continued work on this issue, and I will continue to push to make this much needed change to the law to protect pets and their owners facing this distressing circumstance.”
She urged people to sign and share the petition before it is due to close tomorrow (June 17).
To sign the petition, visit the Government Petitions website.
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