If you hit an animal which is covered by The Road Traffic Act 1988 namely dogs goats horses cattle donkeys mules sheep and pigs you are legally required to report it to the police.

Can you go to jail for hitting a dog with a car. If you hit a dog with your car why wouldnt you stop and check if its OK. Theres generally no arrest. In general if you stop and make a reasonable effort to help the animal the legal responsibility for the accident will not fall on you but on the owner for allowing the dog to run loose.

41 Votes Theres generally no arrest. Its imperative to assess the animals condition and get in touch with its owner if possible. Image via Flickr by Jasper Nance.

SOME of us are dog people some prefer cats. In general if you stop and make a reasonable effort to help the animal the legal responsibility for the accident will not fall on you but on the owner for allowing the dog to run loose. Some dont like either.

In the State of Maryland Leaving the Scene of an Accident where property damage is involved is a misdemeanor offense which carries a punishment of 60 days in jail. 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. Additional sentencing provisions include.

Intentionally and maliciously torturing or injuring an animal can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony with a fine up to 5000 andor imprisonment up to 5 years. If you accidentally hit a pedestrian with your car and it is determined that you were at fault you might need to compensate the injured party. Theres generally no arrest.

You have to call the police. It might be too late for any kind of evasive action and you might have no choice but to hit the animal resulting in injury and even death not to mention damage to your car. Can you go to jail for hitting a dog with your car.