CAT AND DOG THEFT WILL BE A CRIMINAL OFFENCE FROM AUGUST

In August, a new criminal offense termed “pet abduction” will be implemented in England and Northern Ireland following the passage of legislation on the concluding day of Parliament.

Proposed legislation aimed at combating puppy smuggling and addressing dog attacks on livestock has expired due to time constraints and will not proceed to become law. Animal welfare organizations have announced their intention to urge the upcoming government to take action. The Pet Abduction Bill is set to receive Royal Assent shortly, with the law slated to take effect three months thereafter.

The enactment will criminalize the act of taking a cat, or taking or detaining a dog. Under the new legislation, offenders could face a fine or a maximum prison sentence of five years. Currently, pets are legally regarded as property, and pet theft falls under the purview of the 1968 Theft Act, a law also applicable in Scotland.

Advocates for the introduction of the new offense argue that it would acknowledge the emotional toll of pet theft and contribute to a better understanding of the extent of this crime. Annabel Berdy, Senior Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection, highlighted that the absence of specific legal safeguards for pets has allowed criminals to exploit much-loved animals for personal gain. She hailed the Pet Abduction law as potentially one of the most significant animal welfare legislations in recent times, expected to make a profound difference to numerous owners and their beloved pets.

Animal welfare organizations have voiced apprehension over the expiration of two other bills in this Parliamentary session. Among these is a proposal presented by Conservative MP Selaine Saxby, which aimed to elevate the minimum age for importing puppies into the country.

Harriet Main, the public affairs manager for the RSPCA, highlighted that “legal loopholes” had long been exploited by individuals seeking to profit swiftly from the exploitation of animals. The charity intends to urge the forthcoming UK government to prioritize addressing this issue.

Former Environment Secretary Therese Coffey, now a backbench MP, had introduced a bill seeking to grant the police enhanced authority to prosecute dog owners for assaults on farm animals in England and Wales. While “livestock worrying,” encompassing behaviors such as barking, chasing, biting, and killing, is already prohibited by law.

However, Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association, highlights the challenges in securing convictions. He expressed disappointment in the decision but remains hopeful, characterizing it as a delay rather than a failure. Stocker noted that both Labour and the Conservatives share concerns regarding the harm caused by domestic dogs to livestock.