Cat and dognapping to be a criminal offence

AS ANYONE with a beloved pet knows, cats and dogs are just as much a part of the family as everyone else.

But until now, they have legally been treated simply as part of a household’s ‘property’ if they are stolen.

This could be about to change, however, under a new law backed by the Government, which would throw heartless pet thieves behind bars for up to five years.

The Pet Abduction Bill would create a specific offence for dog and cat abduction.

Around 2,000 dog theft and over 400 cat theft crimes were reported to police in 2020, according to the Pet Theft Taskforce.

Conservative MP Anna Firth sponsored the Private Member’s Bill, which cleared a hurdle in Parliament yesterday.

She said: ‘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 my bill will redress this wrong.’

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: ‘It is a deeply traumatic experience for both the owner and the pet when they are stolen. This vital Bill will recognise the severity of this shocking crime and should act as a deterrent to anyone considering stealing a dog or cat. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.’

The legislation will move to the committee stage, meaning it will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers – but Downing Street’s backing means it is likely to become law.

Measures to make pet abduction a crime had originally been included in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, but that was dropped in June.

Campaigners were increasingly concerned the Government, which had pledged to enact measures in the legislation by other means, would not be able to follow through on its promise. But animal welfare charities welcomed the progression of the Pet Abduction Bill last night.

Cats Protection’s senior advocacy and government relations officer Annabel Berdy said: ‘We look forward to continuing to work with other animal charities and politicians to help push this Bill forwards.’

A No 10 spokesman added: ‘This is about increasing the maximum term of five years. It’s about minimising the impact that pet thefts have on families and the emotional impact and distress for people and recognising that these pets should not be treated as inanimate objects.’