Man's best friend is also the animal most likely to be hit by a car, says the AA in a study that shows 40% of Irish drivers have run over a pet or non-domesticated animal.
The dog comes out worst in the poll, accounting for almost half (45.5%) of all animal accidents, followed by cats in second place (36.4%) and rabbits in third (33.4%). Foxes are a distant fourth with 10.3% of drivers admitting to hitting one, while the badger rounds out the top five with an accident rate of 10.1%.
Larger animals are also likely to be involved in an accident with a car. The study shows drivers have hit sheep, deer, cows, horses and donkeys. There have even been reports of drivers colliding with snakes.
County Leitrim is the most dangerous place for animals as 57.1% of drivers there report having been involved in an accident with an animal. Safest for animals is Dublin with only 30.5% of drivers saying they have hit an animal at some point.
John Farrell, Director of AA Insurance, said: "It's not only conservation that drivers need to worry about when it comes to keeping their eyes peeled for animals when driving in rural settings or known animal habitats. A collision with a larger animal such as a horse or deer, particularly when travelling at higher speeds can lead to a huge amount of damage, serious injury and even fatalities. One AA Member, while unhurt, reported doing over €4,000 worth of damage to their car having struck a deer in Phoenix Park. Another said they faced €600 worth of repairs having sadly hit a badger."
The AA advises slowing down when drivers see animal crossing signs and not to throw food out of their cars that may attract animals to the edge of the road.