Drivers who fail to stop and report a road accident where a cat is injured or killed could soon be fined up to £10,000, if proposed changes are approved by the States.

The Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Kevin Lewis, has put forward changes to Jersey's road traffic laws which would mean anyone involved in a road accident involving a cat would be breaking the law if they don't stop as soon as it's safe and report it.

It would bring the way cats are treated by the law in line with other animals, including dogs and horses.

Deputy Lewis says he knows islanders would welcome the move:

"If agreed, Jersey could be the first place in the British Isles to give cats this type of protection within the Road Traffic Law.

"These proposed changes to the regulations will help ensure cats get the chance to be seen by a vet after an accident and will also provide a register to assist families looking for their missing pets."

The changes would also bring Jersey's definition of 'failing to stop' in line with that used in the UK, and simplify parts of the law relating to other road accidents - including not always needing to report crashes to the Police if details are exchanged between people at the scene.