Pet thieves could be jailed for up to five years under new law in UK

Campaigners welcome new legislation for England and Northern Ireland, which they say will help stamp out trade in stolen animals

Pet thieves could be jailed for up to five years under new law in UK -0
Former Southend MP Anna Firth, who introduced the bill, with her dog Lottie. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

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”.

Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education
Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education

California Nurses Association, the largest union of registered nurses in the state, applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1015 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Nurses say the new law, which was authored by Senator Dave Cortese and sponsored by CNA, is an essential step towards ensuring clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, particularly for students attending public institutions like community colleges and state universities.

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language
Parliaments

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language

The National Assembly unanimously adopted a motion to designate Seychelles Deaf Language as an official national language, marking a significant milestone for the islands' hearing-impaired populationin. The motion was brought forward by Regina Esparon, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) elected member for Glacis, on behalf of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with the Deaf Week 2024.

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours
Parliaments

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours

Disposable vapes will be banned and vape flavours and colours restricted under new legislation proposed by the government. The Department of Health yesterday published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law
Parliaments

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law

Brasília urges the European Commission to reconsider its anti-deforestation rules, which could potentially impact Brazil’s exports by almost US$15 billion. The European legislation passed in 2022 includes a ban on the import of products from areas deforested from 2022 onwards, even if deforestation is legal in those areas. 

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property
Parliaments

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property

The UK Parliament has introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Bill today to officially and legally recognize Bitcoin $57,732.86, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets as personal property. This new law will, for the first time, formally protect digital assets such as Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and carbon credits under English law, News.Az reports citing Cointurk news.