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.
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.”
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
