Footballer wants law change after cat's road death

Lucy Parker said the current legislation regarding cats "just doesn't seem fair"

An Aston Villa footballer whose cat was thrown in a bin after being hit by a car is backing calls from the RSPCA for a change in the law.

Lucy Parker says she wants it to become mandatory for drivers to report crashes with cats as well as for agencies to be compelled to scan dead cats they find for a microchip and notify owners.

Under current laws, motorists must stop and report crashes involving animals such as dogs, horses and cattle but cats are not included in the legislation, the RSPCA says.

Ms Parker said: "We were incredibly lucky to find Wilma as it has become apparent to me that not everyone is granted that same closure."

The Villa defender's cat went missing on 17 May and she was eventually able to find out her cat's fate on 20 May after "many social media posts".

Wilma was actually first found on 18 May but nobody alerted Parker until a few days later.

She said she thought the current lack of legislation for cats "just doesn't seem fair".

The 26-year-old, who was named as a standby player for England's Euro 2025 squad, has more than 25,500 followers on Instagram and nearly 17,000 followers on TikTok and said: "I want to use my voice to help level the playing field."

Lucy Parker was selected as a standby player for England's Euro 2025 squad

As well as campaigning for a change in the law, the RSPCA is urging motorists to take dead or injured cats to the nearest vets following a crash.

Alice Potter, from the RSPCA, added: "The tragic story of Lucy's cat Wilma highlights just how important that closure can be for owners.

"We're so grateful for her support in securing a fairer deal for cats and their owners."

The Department for Transport has been contacted for a response.