THE MHK for south Douglas is to seek leave in the House of Keys to introduce a Bill to protect cats in the Island.

David Cretney wants to amend one clause in the Road Traffic Act 1985 tomorrow (Tuesday).

The purpose of the Bill is to add cats to the list of animals that must be reported if they are hit in a road traffic accident.

Currently the animals which must be reported include: horses, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pigs, goats and dogs.

Mr Cretney said: "I actually believe the categories of animal should be specified in regulations rather than primary law because this is much more difficult to amend but this is what the position is presently.

"Like most legislation this is to cover those people who would not do the 'right' thing automatically. I know of people who have been involved in an accident with a cat who have made real efforts to either find the owner of inform appropriate authorities as soon as possible but not everyone does the right thing."

The move comes from an incident involving a south Douglas constituent whose cat was knocked down by a car. It lay for some time with serious injuries before being found hiding under a car. As a result one of its legs had to be amputated.

The owner believes that if the accident had been reported at the time the outcome could have been different.

Mr Cretney concluded: "I know much distress is caused to cat owners when cats go missing and my proposed amendment is to try and minimise such distress whenever possible."

What do you think of David Cretney's plans to change the Road Traffic Act? Let us know using the comment box below.