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RSPCA campaigns for new cat RTA law
It became a legal requirement for cats to be microchipped from June 2024.
Charity says road users should stop if they hit a cat.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has joined a campaign to change the law regarding traffic accidents involving cats.

It is not currently a requirement for drivers to report if they have hit a cat, despite legally having to inform the police if they hit animals including dogs or goats.

The campaign has been prompted by a petition launched by Kellie Watson, a member of the public whose kitten died after being hit by a car. The RSPCA says that, without this legislation, cat owners will often not know if their pet is alive or dead.

As well as the legal requirement to report hitting a dog on the road, since 2016 the Highways Agency has committed to scanning deceased dogs for microchips.

The RSPCA believes that now is the right time to implement the new legislation, following new rules enacted last June which made cat microchipping compulsory. It says that it is now easier than ever for drivers to report hitting a cat, as well as tracing the animal's owner using the details on the microchip.

The microchipping law does not relate to feral or stray cats, which the RSPCA says could make reporting more difficult.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “We know the worry and distress that comes from owners never knowing what happened to their cat, the uncertainty and heartbreak of not knowing whether they’re alive or dead, or like in Kellie’s case, not being able to say goodbye.

“Reporting if you hit a cat with your car to the police and scanning the cat for a microchip in order to contact the owners gives them the closure they deserve.”

In the meantime, the RSPCA advises car drivers to stop at the scene of the accident, if it is safe to do so. Driver could bring the cat to a veterinary practice for treatment and to check for a microchip, as well as asking in the local neighbourhood for information about the cat's owner.

Image © RSPCA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.