Today I am going to get serious about a very important campaign.
CATS MATTER!
It all started when Mum read in the September issue of Your Cat magazine about the Cats Matter cause. We were both disgusted and angry to learn that over one in ten drivers leave a cat to die alone after they hit it. They are not required by law to report it. However, it is illegal to leave the scene after hitting a dog as it must be reported.
What is Cats Matter?
The ultimate goal of Cats Matter is to challenge UK law surrounding cats' welfare on UK roads. Continuously liaising with MPs and Government Departments, Cats Matter works tirelessly towards making it illegal for drivers to leave the scene without reporting if they have hit a cat.
Not "Just a Cat"
The Cats Matter campaign also calls for it to be mandatory for all councils to scan every cat found and notify the owners, as well as spreading this message far and wide, in the hope of changing driver mindsets that it is ‘just a cat’.
I doubt there's any reporting law in the majority of states and municipalities in the US - for either pet. Heck, I was stunned to find out that extermination is still the norm over here with regard to ferals. And don't even get me started on declawing. It's an embarrassment to live in a country that treats cats and dogs so poorly. Unfortunately, people's attitude of "just a cat" can't be changed by legislation. I always tell people that Bear saved my life ... and because of that, if my life matters - then his must too by extension. But they disregard the evidence of "just a cat lady." I hate the stereotype of cat ladies ... it marginalizes people with compassion and a heart for creatures without a voice. It takes the best of humanity and makes it into something to be reviled and laughed at. I kind of went off on a tangent - and I'm probably preaching to the choir too - sorry. I hope the campaign is successful - it's a great cause :)
It is so obvious that we kitties matter! I can't believe that humans have to be reminded of this! They should know better! Thanks for spreading the word, Athena. When Mom was little her family's beloved kitty was killed by a hit and run driver years ago. The family was devastated.
That is just horrific. I can't imagine hitting a cat in the first place, but to not do anything about it??? Unthinkable. A couple years ago I hit and killed a little chipmunk. I was absolutely devastated and brought the little guy home to bury him :(
This is so sad! Why do dogs have more 'rights' than cats? Hope this changes!
ReplyDeleteIt's a crazy world :(
DeleteSo sorry you had to go through that :(
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
I doubt there's any reporting law in the majority of states and municipalities in the US - for either pet. Heck, I was stunned to find out that extermination is still the norm over here with regard to ferals. And don't even get me started on declawing. It's an embarrassment to live in a country that treats cats and dogs so poorly. Unfortunately, people's attitude of "just a cat" can't be changed by legislation. I always tell people that Bear saved my life ... and because of that, if my life matters - then his must too by extension. But they disregard the evidence of "just a cat lady." I hate the stereotype of cat ladies ... it marginalizes people with compassion and a heart for creatures without a voice. It takes the best of humanity and makes it into something to be reviled and laughed at. I kind of went off on a tangent - and I'm probably preaching to the choir too - sorry. I hope the campaign is successful - it's a great cause :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. Animals are family and I won't let anyone tell me otherwise.
DeleteOMC, that is a law that must be changed! I can't believe someone would keep going after hitting anything, especially a kitty.
ReplyDeleteSome people don't have hearts (or a soul).
DeleteThat is heartbreaking. If I lived there, I would sign the petition.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad. All animals matter.
Deletetweeted and shared on Cody's Facebook page, great post! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caren and Cody :)
DeleteThat's maddening and heartbreaking. Cats matter too, for sure.
ReplyDeleteWe know. Sickening :(
DeleteSuper post!
ReplyDeleteWe shared on our face book page...
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Noodle and crew
Thank you, Noodle :)
DeleteThat is an outrage! All lives matter, even cats.
ReplyDeleteSome people are evil :(
DeleteIt is so obvious that we kitties matter! I can't believe that humans have to be reminded of this! They should know better! Thanks for spreading the word, Athena. When Mom was little her family's beloved kitty was killed by a hit and run driver years ago. The family was devastated.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you had to go through that.
DeleteWe hope you're both doing well ... just wanted you to know we're thinking of you since you didn't post today :)
ReplyDeleteThat is just horrific. I can't imagine hitting a cat in the first place, but to not do anything about it??? Unthinkable. A couple years ago I hit and killed a little chipmunk. I was absolutely devastated and brought the little guy home to bury him :(
ReplyDelete