A new law has taken a significant step forward and has brought harsher sentencing for Pet Abduction in the England and Northern Ireland, This act makes the abduction of domestic pets have precautions resulting in either fine and/or up to five years in prison. Prior to this law, domestic pets were considered under the 1958 Theft Act as peoples property, this new act is the first legislation to specifically address the theft of pets.
The Pet Abduction Bill was brought forward by conservative MP Anna Firth who hopes this new law will mean that the trauma of having a pet stolen will now be a consideration during sentencing. “Pets are not merely property like a smartphone or watch – they are part of the family, It is not right that the law does not distinguish this and i am delighted that my bill will redress this wrong.” The bill is a private members’ bill introduced by parliament, although it is unlikely for private members’ bills to become law but with the approval from the government it was made easier.
This Act will make pet owners feel so much more secure and safe about and with their pets, and will discourage potential animal thieves, since pets are considered as part of the family. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow told MPs that pets were “basically family” and “Since my husband died and since my three children left home, my cats have taken on an even more important role in my life,” which really shows how precious animals are to some owners and they really are part of the family.
The Pet Theft Taskforce’s evidence suggest that around 2000 dog and over 400 cat theft crimes were reported to the police in 2020, and the Pet Theft Awareness group found that, in 2021, police-recorded cat theft increased by 40% on the previous year and had more than quadrupled since 2015. Which is clearly a concern and this law should change that majorly, making punishments and sentences much harsher for these thieves.
