29-10-2011, 10:20 AM
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Pet Forums Senior Member
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 409
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Re: E-petition - Make it a legal requirement to report a road accident involving a ca
Quote:
Originally Posted by havoc
I've had a look at the list of animals included, had a think about it and I'm happy to sign but I do wonder if everyone has thought of the consequences. All the animals listed are expected to be under the owner's control and if they get loose and cause an accident the owner is liable. I don't see how cats could be added to the list without becoming subject to the same owner liability. One of the reasons insurance is so much more expensive for dogs than cats is that it includes third party insurance - usually around a million pounds. If cats were added to the list would owners be happy to be responsible for damages and pay the extra for third party cover?
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I think that bringing the treatment of cats in-line with other animals is a two way street and that both owners and the public have to change their perception of what cats are and what is acceptable for cats. So many people let their cats out without a thought of what they do to the surrounding area and people do lots of things in the surrounding area with no thought of what it does to the cat. As a country we should move towards creating safe ways for cats to be outside (if desired) and accept responsibility for the impact cats can have on other people's lives (from pooing in a flower bed to killing £2,000 Koi). If this is done then we can push for the treatment of cat to be brought in line with other domesticated animals.
Unfortunately in life you can't have things both ways but, from seeing the people on this forum, the majority of owners are sensible. Although the methods of care may differ I find most owners accept the consequences and responsibility of owning their animals so legal liability should not be an issue.
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