Treacherous urban roads

Blue Cross animal hospitals see an average of eight pets each week that have been killed or injured on urban roads, and the charity is urging pet owners to protect their pets.

Most animals do not have any road sense, so dogs walked off the lead and roaming cats often suffer the highest number of casualties. Noises, such as fireworks, can startle pets that then run into the road causing accidents. Animals with dark coats, especially cats, run higher risks as they are camouflaged at night, and so will need reflective collars to make them visible to drivers.

Caroline Reay, chief vet at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Merton said: “Pets are especially vulnerable to road traffic accidents in the winter, when longer, darker nights make visibility worse. We are advising owners to keep their dogs on leads when on the street or near traffic, and to keep cats in overnight. Pets should wear reflective collars or coats to make them more visible and be identifiable either from a collar tag or a microchip.

“Roads that run alongside parks and woods can be particularly dangerous if pets dart out into them and owners should always watch out for animals on the other side of the road, as dogs will not look before they cross. Neutering pets can also reduce their urge to wander.”

Anyone who would like more advice can call the Blue Cross animal hospital, Victoria on 020 7932 2370.