The UK government is anticipated to endorse the creation of a specific criminal offence for stealing cats and dogs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A bill, currently under debate in the

Commons, proposes the establishment of a "pet abduction" offence, with individuals convicted facing fines or a maximum prison term of five years. Currently, pets are considered property under the law, and their theft is covered by the 1968 Theft Act. The proposed legislation seeks to acknowledge the unique status of pets and enhance legal tools to combat pet theft. The bill follows recommendations from a pet theft taskforce initiated in response to concerns during the Covid pandemic.

The initial commitment to criminalize dog abduction was made in 2021 but was not incorporated into legislation. The new Pet Abduction Bill, presented by Conservative MP Anna Firth, aims to address low prosecution rates for pet theft, which she describes as a "low-risk, high-reward crime."

Firth emphasizes the need to recognize the loss of a living creature, a beloved family member, as distinct from inanimate possessions. The legislation seeks to curb pet theft, which is on the rise, according to reports by organizations like Pet Theft Awareness. The group advocates for recognizing pets as "valued living possessions" and calls for stricter penalties for pet theft. The impact of pet theft on owners, both emotionally and psychologically, underscores the urgency for protective measures. The proposed bill's success would require passage through parliamentary stages with government backing. Photo by Faypearse, Wikimedia commons.