New Law Declares Abducting Pets a Criminal Offence
In England and Northern Ireland, dogs and cats have been officially recognized as ‘sentient beings’ under new pet abduction laws passed by the government.
The Pet Abduction Bill received Royal Assent on Friday, making it a criminal offense to steal a dog or cat.
Individuals found guilty of pet theft in England or Northern Ireland may face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
“As a nation of pet-lovers, it is crucial that the law acknowledges the emotional impact of pet theft and holds perpetrators accountable in a manner that reflects this,” stated Anna Firth MP, the sponsor of the preceding Private Members’ Bill.
The new law recognizes that dogs and cats are not merely objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing emotional distress when separated from their owners.
This decision has been praised by animal rights organizations.
Lorraine Platt, co-founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, expressed her delight upon the bill’s passing.
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Ms. Platt emphasized the importance of recognizing pets as family members who offer companionship and stability in our lives.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, hailed the new law as a much-needed deterrent against pet theft.
The Pet Abduction Act 2024 fills a legal gap that previously treated pet theft the same as stolen property like laptops or mobile phones under the 1968 Theft Act.
Plans Resurrected
Efforts to combat pet theft were revived with the passing of the Pet Abduction Bill after the government shelved the Kept Animals Bill last year.
Ms. Firth spearheaded the issue through a Private Members’ Bill before the dissolution of Parliament, emphasizing the seriousness of animal welfare in the UK.
The bill aims to tackle pet abduction as a heinous crime and advocates for recognizing pets as sentient beings in the eyes of the law.
Statistics show that a significant portion of the UK population own dogs and cats, with reported cases of pet theft causing distress to both owners and animals.
The act builds upon existing measures to protect pets, such as mandatory microchipping for cats, making it easier to identify lost animals.
Calls for stricter laws on pet theft have been on the rise, particularly following a surge in dognappings during lockdowns in the UK.
