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Cats: additional protection when involved in road traffic accidents [P.30/2019]

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STATES OF JERSEY

CATS: ADDITIONAL PROTECTION WHEN INVOLVED IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Lodged au Greffe on 12th March 2019 by Deputy J.M. Maçon of St. Saviour

STATES GREFFE

2019  P.30

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

to request the Ministers for Infrastructure and the Environment to consult on how cats could be given additional protection under either the Road Traffic (Jersey) Law 1956, Highway Code or Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 2004, in order to ensure that drivers involved in accidents in which cats are injured are required to contact the police.

DEPUTY J.M. MAÇON OF ST. SAVIOUR

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REPORT

This e-petition has now reached over 5,000 signatures.

Make it law to stop Hit and Run' for Cats

Certain animals involved in RTAs require the driver to inform the police; this doesn't include cats. Cats are free agents and are more likely to be victims to RTAs. We wish to see the law changed to reduce their suffering, by getting them to a vet quickly. Please help by signing to protect our cats.

Our suggestion would be to make a RTA with a cat reportable' just like other animals; the driver must inform the (Honorary) Police only if other notifiable parties can't be reached; the owner and/or the JSPCA. The offence would be failing to report the RTA. We don't expect drivers to be blamed, just that they stop to report. We appreciate that it costs to change a law; perhaps the licensing of household cats would help generate the funds needed.

Now that it has reached the signature threshold, it is a matter that Members should consider.

Financial and manpower implications

The direct financial implications of this proposition relate to the consultation process proposed, which can be absorbed from departmental budgets. However, if it is decided to amend legislation, then it is likely that there will be a number of resource implications for the Police and Parishes, as well as a potential cost to the Public if a cat licensing system is introduced.

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