The UK Parliament is considering a new law to criminalize pet abduction, with a focus on the theft of cats and dogs. The proposed Pet Abduction Bill, introduced by MP Anna Firth, has passed its second reading in the House of Commons today with cross-party support and is backed by the government. The Bill aims to recognize pets as family members rather than property and could lead to a maximum prison sentence of up to five years for pet thieves. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced its support for the Bill, which is expected to apply in England and Northern Ireland. The legislation responds to concerns that pet theft has become a 'low-risk, high-reward crime'. Public support for the Bill is high, with a YouGov poll showing 77% of Britons in favor of making pet theft a specific criminal offense.
This week parliament took first steps to creating specific offence of pet abduction to recognise growing trade in stealing cats and dogs and the impact this has - pleased to join Xparty efforts to back @Anna_Firth bill and share experience of Walthamstow residents of this issue. https://t.co/dpOL82YcTT
Pet theft is an awful crime traumatising people & animals. Delighted that the Pet Abduction Bill, introduced by my colleague @Anna_Firth and with full @Conservatives Government support, has passed its 2nd Reading in the @HouseofCommons #AnimalWelfare 🐶🐱 @ConservativeAWF https://t.co/zGPyPyadOr https://t.co/bpQQhXUlac
A new law to make stealing a dog or a cat a specific criminal offence is a step closer. At the moment pets are considered property - like a bike or a phone. I’d be utterly bereft if someone took any of mine. 😢 Hearing from @DogsTrust @BBCCornwall breakfast. https://t.co/hIO9zd7S6a
Thank you to our Patron @Jane_Stevenson_ for kind mention of us in her speech during the Pet Abduction Bill today. “The value of our pets to us is why this Bill is so important.” #PetAbductionBill https://t.co/O4vU6cMcJu
We’re a nation of animal lovers 😻 That’s why we’re backing legislation to make pet abduction a criminal offence. Introduced by @Anna_Firth MP, the Private Members Bill recognises the distress to pet and owner when a #cat or #dog is taken. Read more: https://t.co/OvjizXeVzK https://t.co/Ap4Du1mjUB
Dog and cat thieves to face five years in jail in bid to tackle scourge of pet thefts https://t.co/TvtnvJ4461
The government is looking to introduce a specific offence for stealing a cat or dog - by 77% to 9% Britons would support this change https://t.co/l3IObOWLfU https://t.co/jHyFs1e80z
🐾Accurate reporting and monitoring of pet abduction cases are essential to grasp the extent of the issue and devise effective preventive measures to ensure the safety of our beloved pets. Thank you @jogideon for raising this in today's debate on Pet Abduction Bill.🐶 https://t.co/Ajit8mkZqg
Thank you to the MPs who showed their strong support for our Patron @Anna_Firth’s Pet Abduction Bill during its Second Reading including @NatalieElphicke @jogideon and @Jane_Stevenson_ https://t.co/8JCcnvBF7E
Delighted that my Pet Abduction Bill has just passed its second reading in the House of Commons with cross party support. We are now one step closer to the Bill becoming law! 🐶 🐈 https://t.co/RxlQqKHghb
Pet Abduction Bill will lead to harsher sentences for dog and cat thieves https://t.co/6UYWSBJmto
Good to see the announcement in @BBCBreaking today that the government is expected to back making stealing cats and dogs a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland led by @Anna_Firth ‘s Pet Abduction Bill . https://t.co/0MLybweFxR https://t.co/HviWMYOBJX
BBC just reported about a new piece of legislation so that it is made illegal to take someone’s pet off them. The best reporter to cover this was Helen Catt 🐈⬛ 🐈 🐕 👍😂 @BBCNews #pets #whatsinaname @BBCHelenCatt #couldntmakeitup #brilliant https://t.co/QNsLUgyfm1
Cat and dog theft set to be made criminal offence https://t.co/HmlTpGRjpK
Defra has announced its support for the Pet Abduction Bill, a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Anna Firth MP to create offences of dog and cat abduction, with a maximum term of 5 years in prison. https://t.co/FiBJzeJzbS
Delighted to be in Parliament today to support @Anna_Firth's Pet Abduction Bill as it goes through its Second Reading. 🐶 https://t.co/vFXAJrxbEM
Stealing cats and dogs set to become a specific criminal offence punishable with up to five years in prison amid fears pet theft has become a 'low-risk, high-reward crime' https://t.co/KMQIQEWeog https://t.co/jlEirRAKUk
Supporting @Anna_Firth's Pet Abduction Bill in spirit as it goes through its Second Reading today. An incredibly important piece of legislation that will recognise pets as members of the family rather than property. 🐶🐾 https://t.co/ciYQ3vJGyq
I really hope this happens: Cat and dog theft set to be made criminal offence https://t.co/yWYKHbeTDB
🐾Very excited that today is the second reading of my Private Members Bill 🐶 I introduced the Pet Abduction Bill to make it a crime to take or detain a dog or a cat from the lawful control of any person 🐇 I hope this bill will welcomed by pet and animal lovers nationwide https://t.co/Mev0oETC8n
Calls for new pet abduction law led by MP Anna Firth https://t.co/101VpgUZPY
I’m proud to champion the bipartisan Better CARE for Animals Act! This bill enhances Animal Welfare Act enforcement. I’m stepping up for our companions to ensure they're treated with the respect and care they deserve. 🐾 https://t.co/nAVylg78SX
I'm proud to be a cosponsor on this important legislation! https://t.co/LTzJFKPOPK