Our darling JodieJodie was found in Wallington in a really bad way dragging her back legs and in a lot of pain. A worried passer by put a call for help out on social media and WAR arranged for Jodie to be rushed to the vets.
She was checked for a chip but unfortunately did not have one. She was given strong pain relief, the vet suspected she had be hit by a car. Jodie was taken back to WAR but they got very concerned as she was unable to pass urine and was deteriorating, she was rushed back to the vets for x-rays, the x-rays revealed multiple pelvic fractures that could not be repaired, the fractures were also impinging on her spine. For that reason the heartbreaking decision was made to let her carry on sleeping peacefully. |
In honour of Jodie we have listed below some information on what to do if you are involved in or witness an animal injured in a Road Traffic Accident
In honour of our beautiful Jodie who died as a result of being hit by a car, we have decided to dedicate a section to help advise on what to do if you are involved in a car accident or witness one where an animal is injured and whilst we sincerely hope you will never need to know what to do if you hit an animal while driving, it’s worth being aware just in case.
THE LAW:
The Road Traffic Act 1988 only gives rules around certain types of animals:
dogs, goats, horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, sheep and pigs.
If you hit one of these animals you are required by law to report it to the police.
If you hit an animal that is not included in the Road Traffic Act, such as a cat or a fox, you are not legally required to report it but you may wish to contact the police to inform them of the incident anyway.
APPROACHING THE ANIMAL:
First of all, try to stay calm, take deep breaths and assess the situation carefully.
Be aware of your surroundings – watch out for other cars or anything else that might put you or anyone else in danger.
If you’re approaching an injured animal, be very careful. It will probably be very scared and could be badly injured and might try to bite or scratch you or could try to run away putting itself and others in more danger.
If you realise you have hit someone’s pet, please see if you can locate its tag to access the contact details of its owner.
Remember if you hit a dog or larger animal covered by the Road Traffic Act 1988 you are legally required to report it to the police.
If you are unable to trace the animal’s owner, you need to report the incident to a police officer or at your local police station within 24 hours of the accident. If the animal needs urgent care, the police should hold a list of vets available to attend.
THE LAW:
The Road Traffic Act 1988 only gives rules around certain types of animals:
dogs, goats, horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, sheep and pigs.
If you hit one of these animals you are required by law to report it to the police.
If you hit an animal that is not included in the Road Traffic Act, such as a cat or a fox, you are not legally required to report it but you may wish to contact the police to inform them of the incident anyway.
APPROACHING THE ANIMAL:
First of all, try to stay calm, take deep breaths and assess the situation carefully.
Be aware of your surroundings – watch out for other cars or anything else that might put you or anyone else in danger.
If you’re approaching an injured animal, be very careful. It will probably be very scared and could be badly injured and might try to bite or scratch you or could try to run away putting itself and others in more danger.
If you realise you have hit someone’s pet, please see if you can locate its tag to access the contact details of its owner.
Remember if you hit a dog or larger animal covered by the Road Traffic Act 1988 you are legally required to report it to the police.
If you are unable to trace the animal’s owner, you need to report the incident to a police officer or at your local police station within 24 hours of the accident. If the animal needs urgent care, the police should hold a list of vets available to attend.
ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CATS:
It is a very sad reality that cats are often the victims of road accidents. No one wants to think about his or her cat being harmed, but it’s worth knowing what to do if you should come across one in this situation. If the cat is moveable, please take him to a vet and inform the veterinary staff that you are not the owner. If the cat has no identification, spread the word in your neighbourhood through posters and social media that you have discovered an injured cat and taken him to the vet. If you are unable to stop please report the accident through social media, or contact an animal charity as soon as possible - do not let the cat suffer at the road side as poor Jodie did. Although it is not a legal requirement please get your cats microchipped so if they are injured you can be notified. |