CAT AND DOG THIEVES TO FACE UP TO 5 YEARS IN JAIL UNDER TOUGH NEW LAWS

Thieves who steal dogs and cats could face up to five years in jail after MPs backed tough new laws on pet abductions.

Legislation that recognises pets also feel distress if they’re snatched from their owners cleared its final hurdle in the Commons. At the moment the law treats pets like any other type of property, but animal lovers argue this needs to change.

MPs from all parties backed the Pet Abduction Bill, which was unopposed. Tory Anna Firth, who put it forward as a Private Members’ Bill, told the Commons: “We are showing by our actions that cats and dogs are not just items, and that abducting them causes real distress to families and to individuals. Because actions speak far louder than words and this Bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK.”

And Conservative MP Ben Everitt said the Bill resolves “a gap that has existed in law for far too long”. He added that existing laws don’t reflect the impact of pet abduction.

The Bill, which will now be considered by the House of Lords, would make it an offence to take a cat or dog from the lawful control of another person. Thieves would face a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Labour said it “strongly supports” the Bill. Conservative frontbencher Robbie Moore said on behalf of the Government: “The unlawful taking of a pet is an abhorrent crime and it’s right that perpetrators are brought to justice and this Bill recognises that.”

Animal welfare charity Cats Protection welcomed the Bill, stating it will “finally give pets the full recognition they deserve”. The charity’s senior advocacy and government relations officer Annabel Berdy said the Bill will “help stamp out the criminal activities that prey on much-loved pet cats by onward selling or from breeding kittens to sell”.