Drivers urged to 'have a heart' and obey cat law

Athena Marie Kallias said losing her cat in a traffic accident that was not reported was horrific

Cat owners in Jersey are urging drivers to obey the law and report if they hit a cat.

In October 2021, politicians agreed to change the island's Road Traffic Law to make it an offence for a driver not to stop and report an accident involving a cat.

The driver must report to either the owner or the Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) and failure to do so is punishable with a maximum fine of £10,000.

Athena Marie Kallias, a member of the Equal Rights 4 Cats group which campaigned for the law change, said too many incidents were still unreported.

Athena Kallias keeps all 12 of her cats inside

Ms Kallias said losing Baby five years ago was an experience she "wouldn't want her worst enemy to go through".

She now keeps all 12 of her cats inside with access to protected outdoor areas away from the road.

She said her message to drivers was "keep to the speed limit... and have a heart, because that is somebody's little pet".

Julie Larkin started a campaign to raise awareness of the law after her cat Lionel was killed

Julie Larkin's cat Lionel was found dead on the side of the road next to her house.

Ms Larkin said: "I don't know what happened because the driver didn't stop... I was at work, but all the neighbours were here and nobody had a knock on the door, the JSPCA wasn't called."

Ms Larkin has started a campaign called Lionel's Legacy to raise awareness of the law.

She said four cats have been killed on her road in eight years, and only one driver stopped to let someone know.

Dr Nick Thomas said cats can survive road traffic accidents if they get prompt veterinary care

Dr Nick Thomas, clinical director at New Era Veterinary Hospital, said it was "very traumatic" for pet owners when people did not stop to report hitting a cat.

He said it was important for people to report an accident because lower speed limits in the island meant a lot of cats could survive being hit by a car.

He said vets provide 24/7 care and the JSPCA had an ambulance driver with an emergency mobile number, so "there is always someone on the end of the phone".

'Not enforced'

Lisa Jane Leaney said her cat was injured when it was hit by a car outside her house and the incident was captured on CCTV, including the vehicle's registration.

She contacted the States of Jersey Police but was told the law "wasn't actually enforced".

Ms Leaney said she didn't understand why "people have gone to the effort to get something debated and for a law to be passed, for nobody to enforce it".

The States of Jersey Police said: "It continues to be an offence to fail to stop and report a road traffic collision involving a cat.

"Once reported to the police, the officer will make an assessment to ensure all details have been recorded and shared between parties. If any offences are suspected to be committed, then we will investigate accordingly."