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MPs back law to make dog and cat theft specific crimes
Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this" – Anna Firth.
Thieves could face up to five years in prison.

The Pet Abduction Bill has passed through its final stage in the House of Common, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.

Proposed by backbench MP Anna Firth as a private members’ bill, the legislation has been backed by the government and by MPs from across the political spectrum. It will now go to the House of Lords.

If it becomes law, the bill will make dog and cat abduction specific crimes in England and Northern Ireland, recognising that animals are sentient beings. Legally, abducted pets are currently classed in the same category as stolen inanimate objects.

Those who break the proposed law could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The bill will also make it possible to introduce similar rules in the future to cover the abduction of other animals kept as pets.

Research by the insurer Direct Line suggests that 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023, with just 16 per cent successfully found and returned home. This was the lowest level of stolen dogs recovered since Direct Line began tracking the data in 2015.

Ms Firth said: “As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that theft of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this. Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this.”

Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for Cats Protection, said:“We’re hugely encouraged to see the Pet Abduction Bill making such swift progress through parliament and will be working tirelessly with other animal charities and politicians to push it forwards. We cannot let this important opportunity to protect pets and owners slip through our hands.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."