But you may be cited for animal cruelty or for ignoring property damage notification obligations for failure to report hitting a pet in some states.
Is it illegal to hit a dog and drive away. You could be charged with animal cruelty or failure to notify owners of property damage. Dog attacks are treated very seriously with huge fines up to 30000 and potential imprisonment. Domestic animals like dogs and certain farm animals such as horses cows and goats are considered property.
Section 170 of the Road Traffic 1988 Act requires motorists to stop and report an accident involving animals. Dog leash laws vary across the state and the rules differ in some counties. Fail to stop after an accident.
Section 170 of the Road Traffic 1988 Act requires motorists to stop and report an accident involving animals. It can be illegal if you do not report. Fail to report an accident to a police station if no other person is present at the accident.
What To Do Next. Some cars are fitted with dashcams and sometimes the. When in doubt play it safe and have your car towed to a garage to be checked out before you drive it again.
If you hit one of the above-mentioned animals you are required by law to report it to the police² If you hit another type of animal such as a cat or a fox you are not required by law to report it but you might want to contact the police anyway³ Some advice for what to do if you hit an animal. It is an Offense to Abandon Any Pet Dog Cat or Otherwise. There generally are not specific criminal laws regarding hitting a dog or other pet with a car and fleeing as there are with people.
Unleashed dogs are a serious hazard for drivers and many accidents occur because the animals run in front of cars. It can be illegal if you do not report. Laws can vary state to state but as a general rule you should stop after hitting a dog or other domestic animal.