The Pet Abduction Act will finally recognise that pets are beloved members of the family and a new criminal offence acknowledges distress stolen animals suffer
Campaigners have welcomed a new law that comes into effect on Saturday meaning thieves who steal cats and dogs can face up to five years in prison.
Until now pets have been treated in law like any other private property. But the new Pet Abduction Act, put forward by former Tory MP Anna Firth, recognises for the first time that they are beloved members of the family.
A new criminal offence also acknowledges the distress animals experience if they are stolen. There are estimated to be around 2,000 dog thefts and 400 cat thefts every year.
Paula Boyden, veterinary director at the Dogs Trust said she is “delighted” the Act finally recognises the “emotional bond” between dogs and their owners. She added: “Having your beloved pet stolen is an extremely stressful, heart-breaking experience. For most owners, pets are members of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing where they are, is devastating.
“However, despite the obvious emotional impact pet theft has on families and owners, until now it has been treated no differently to mobile phone or laptop theft.” When the Act passed through Parliament with cross-party support earlier this year, Ms Firth said: “Pets are not merely items in our lives, they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law does not distinguish this.”
And Lorraine Platt, co-Founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, said: “Our pets are members of the family, often providing much-needed companionship and stability throughout our lives.
“That the theft of a treasured pet is treated no more severely under the law than that of a mobile phone is simply unacceptable, and we look forward to seeing this legislation provide an effective deterrent against such offences.”
