London, January 19, 2024 — The UK government is poised to endorse legislation criminalizing the theft of cats and dogs, as it considers a bill creating a specific offense known as “pet abduction.” Scheduled for debate in the Commons on Friday, the proposed legislation aims to impose penalties, including fines and up to five years in prison, for individuals convicted of this newly defined crime.
Currently, pets are legally regarded as property, with the act of stealing a pet falling under the jurisdiction of the 1968 Theft Act in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a framework similarly applied in Scotland. Despite a 2021 commitment by the government to make dog abduction a criminal offense, no legislative action has been taken to date.
In 2023, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which incorporated measures addressing pet theft, was abandoned by ministers, sparking criticism from animal welfare advocates. This move followed recommendations from a pet theft taskforce established during the Covid-19 pandemic to address concerns about an increase in dog theft.
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel emphasized the emotional toll on families caused by pet theft, stating that animals are more than mere property. The proposed legislation seeks to recognize this sentiment, providing law enforcement with an additional tool to combat such criminal activities.
Conservative MP Anna Firth is spearheading the Pet Abduction Bill, highlighting the need to address the low prosecution rates associated with pet theft. Firth remarked that stealing a pet is currently perceived as a “low-risk, high-reward crime,” contrasting the profound impact on families who consider their pets as integral members.
Campaigners, such as Toni Clarke of Pet Theft Awareness, stress the importance of recognizing pets as “valued living possessions” rather than inanimate objects. The group advocates for jail sentences for pet theft and compulsory scanning to enhance the chances of reuniting stolen or missing pets with their owners.
Recent data from Pet Theft Awareness indicates a 40% increase in police-recorded cat thefts in 2021 compared to the previous year, with a more than fourfold increase since 2015. The group contends that the actual figures might be significantly higher due to inconsistencies in how police forces record such crimes.
Environment Minister Mark Spencer has committed to enacting measures addressing pet abductions through alternative means, including private members’ bills. While prospects for private members’ bills becoming law are challenging, government support could enhance their chances.
With nearly half of households in the UK owning a pet, campaigners argue that legislation criminalizing pet abduction would garner widespread support. They stress the need for protective measures to address the trauma and anguish experienced by families when their pets are stolen, emphasizing the positive impact pets have on mental well-being.
