Jersey could be first in British Isles to ban cat hit-and-runs

Monday 03 June 2019

Jersey could become the first British territory to make it illegal to hit a cat with a car and drive away, if politicians agree this week.

Deputy Jeremy Maçon is urging States Members to vote in favour of his plans to better protect family felines, which to be debated by the Assembly in the sitting starting tomorrow (Tuesday 4 June).

His proposals came in response to an e-petition entitled ‘Make it law to stop ‘Hit and Run’ for Cats’ by the ‘Equal Rights 4 Cats Campaign Group’ that garnered a total of 5,385 signatures.

At present, the law only requires drivers to make a report if they hit a dog under the Road Traffic Law. If they do not, they can face prosecution. Cats, however, are afforded no such protection. 

Despite the petition’s swift ascent into thousands of signatories, the government expressed no intention to change the law, stating that changing its current approach would be “heavy-handed.” 

Ahead of this week’s vote, a spokesperson for Equal Rights 4 Cats explained why the law change was so important to them: “In 2015, Sandra Jasmins nearly lost her cat Binky to a [road traffic accident] just outside her house. The driver did not report the incident and when Sandra found her, it was touch and go. Immediate veterinary care meant she survived. Many others are not so lucky.

“The ‘Equal Rights 4 Cats’ campaign to give cats legal protection when in a Road Traffic Accident, started shortly afterwards and has gained momentum ever since.”

Responding to the government’s stance, they continued: “We are not asking for heavy-handed police involvement, just a phone call to the owner or JSPCA (or police for guidance) to report the incident. A minute of our time to reduce suffering and distress… 

“We have proposals to give owners legal responsibility too which can only benefit owners and their cats; it would be very affordable with funds raised being directed back to help towards recovery of the cat from the scene and immediate veterinary attention.”

Pictured: Deputy Jeremy Maçon who is bringing the vote that could see cats feline safer by the end of this week.

Deputy Maçon added: “When an e-petition reaches 5,000 signatures normally an In-committee debate occurs meaning that politicians have an opportunity to discuss a matter but no vote is taken. In this case given the scope of the e-petition I’ve brought forward a private members proposition meaning that there will be a vote on the matter. The proposition is asking the States Assembly to hold a consultation on the subject to identify what law changes could occur in order to give cats greater protection. There is still time for members of the public to contact and lobby their States Members.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Equal Rights 4 Cats Campaign Group and seeing how they’ve engaged with the democratic process, which many other campaign groups could use as a good example.”