Pet advocacy groups have praised the introduction of a new law that officially criminalizes the theft, taking, or detainment of a cat or dog in England and Northern Ireland. The Pet Abduction Act 2024, which came into effect yesterday, imposes penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine for anyone convicted of stealing these animals.
The legislation was championed by Anna Firth, the former Conservative MP for Southend West and Leigh, before she lost her seat in July. It was one of the final laws enacted before the recent general election.
Pet theft has become an increasing concern in the UK, with dogs being the most frequently stolen pets. Data from Direct Line Pet Insurance indicates that 2,290 dogs were reported stolen in 2023, an average of six per day.
Until now, the theft of pets was treated as the theft of property under the 1968 Theft Act. Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, pointed out that this legal approach overlooked the emotional distress caused by pet abduction, stating, “For most owners, a pet is a member 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 from the theft of a mobile phone or laptop.”
Campaigners have long called for stricter measures to combat pet theft, arguing that the new law acknowledges the emotional impact on victims and targets criminals who previously exploited the lack of specific legal consequences for such crimes.
While the new law focuses primarily on dogs and cats, it also includes provisions for the abduction of other commonly kept pets.
The surge in pet thefts during the Covid-19 lockdowns, driven by increased demand for companionship, created opportunities for criminals to profit from illegal breeding, farming, and pet thefts. The new legislation aims to curb this trend.
Annabel Berdy, Senior Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection, emphasized the significance of the law: “By recording pet theft as a specific crime, we will now be able to identify the animals and breeds most at risk, and the areas where pets are being targeted. The underground trade in stolen pets has been allowed to flourish for too long, and finally this new law will help us begin to stamp it out once and for all.”
Boyden also advised pet owners to remain vigilant, particularly dog owners, to protect their pets from abduction. “Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area,” she said. “And if you are walking them off-lead, always keep them in sight. You should also be careful with what details you share online about your canine companions.”
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