Pet campaigners have welcomed a law that came into force recently making the theft of a cat or taking or detaining a dog a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland.
Under the Pet Abduction Act 2024, anyone found guilty of stealing a cat or dog could face up to five years in prison as well as a fine.
The bill was promoted by Anna Firth, who was Conservative MP for Southend West and Leigh until losing her seat in July. It was one of the last pieces of legislation passed before the general election.
Pet abduction has become a growing concern in the UK in recent years, with dogs the most commonly stolen animals. Research from Direct Line Pet Insurance suggests that 2,290 dogs were reported stolen in 2023, equivalent to six animals a day.
But until now, abduction of a pet was considered theft of property, and the legal measures fell under the 1968 Theft Act. Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said such a classification ignored the fact that having a pet abducted was often “stressful and heartbreaking”.
