Conservative MP calls for stronger punishment for those stealing pets

An MP wants to bring in tougher punishments for pet theft.

Conservative Ross Thomson wants existing laws to be strengthened to recognise the status of pets.

Under current law, stolen pets are treated as possessions but Mr Thomson said a specific offence should be created to reflect the animals being “part of the family”.

Dog theft has increased in the UK for two years running, with the equivalent of five dogs reported stolen every day in 2017, recent figures showed.

The statistics – compiled 0 Ross Thomson said that pets are ‘part of the family’ by Direct Line Pet Insurance from Freedom of Information requests to police forces – showed that 1,909 dogs were reported stolen in 2017, up 6.8 per cent on the 1,788 taken in 2016 and a 14 per cent increase on the previous year. “Designer” breeds such as the French bulldog are increasingly being targeted, with 61 stolen last year, up 27 per cent on the previous year. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the most commonly stolen, with 210 taken last year.

Campaigners and animal charities said dogs are stolen for resale, breeding or fighting. Aberdeen South MP Mr Thomson will call for tougher laws via a ten-minute rule bill which was to be proposed in the House of Commons yesterday.

He said: “The theft of a pet should be recognised as a serious, criminal and punishable offence.” Equity Release may involve a home reversion plan or a lifetime mortgage, which is secured against your property. To understand the features and risks, ask for your personalised illustration. Any money released, plus accrued interest would be repaid upon death, or moving into long-term care. This equity release service is provided by Age Partnership, who provide initial advice for free and without obligation. Only if you choose to proceed and your case completes would a fee of 1.95% of the amount released be payable (minimum £1,495). Based on the number of Equity Release plans arranged from Oct - Dec 2017.