New Bill Makes Abducting Pets A Criminal Offence
The government has passed new pet abduction laws in England and Northern Ireland, declaring dogs and cats as ‘sentient beings’.
Stealing a dog or cat is now a criminal offence after the Pet Abduction Bill received Royal Assent on Friday. Anyone found guilty of this crime in England or Northern Ireland could face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Anna Firth MP, the sponsor of the Private Members’ Bill that led to the new act, emphasized the importance of recognizing the emotional impact of pet theft and ensuring that perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
The new law acknowledges that dogs and cats are not objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and emotional trauma when stolen from their owners.
Animal rights groups have applauded the decision, with Lorraine Platt from the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation expressing delight that the bill passed all its stages.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, highlighted the devastating impact of pet theft and the need for stronger laws to act as a real deterrent to criminals.
The bill addresses a long-existing gap in law and signifies the UK’s commitment to animal welfare. Plans to combat pet theft, previously postponed, were revived through a Private Members’ Bill pushed through before Parliament’s dissolution.
The new act aims to protect the estimated 28% of UK adults who own dogs and 24% who own cats, following an increase in pet theft crimes reported to police in 2020.
Support for the act aligns with broader efforts to safeguard pets from theft, including the compulsory microchipping of cats from June 10 to aid in identifying lost animals.
Three years ago, calls were made for stricter laws following a rise in dognappings during lockdowns in the UK.
