Police chiefs have emphasized their commitment to tackling pet theft, asserting that perpetrators will face stricter penalties under a proposed law designed to empower law enforcement agencies.
The Pet Abduction Bill, championed by Conservative MP Anna Firth, has garnered support from Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC), who argue that it will compel authorities to address the issue with greater urgency and impose harsher consequences on offenders.
Donna Jones, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and PCC for Isle of Wight and Hampshire, expressed concern over the escalating rate of pet thefts, particularly during the pandemic. She stressed the significance of the proposed legislation in equipping police forces with the necessary tools to apprehend criminals targeting beloved family pets.
Similarly, Katy Bourne, Sussex PCC, condemned the leniency afforded to individuals who commit such crimes, asserting that the bill signifies a pivotal shift toward holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for affected families.
Recent police data reveals a concerning uptick in pet theft cases, with approximately 2,290 dogs reported stolen last year alone, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. Moreover, the success rate in recovering stolen pets remains alarmingly low, with only 16% reunited with their owners.
Among the most commonly stolen breeds are English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and XL Bullies, with the Metropolitan Police recording the highest number of thefts in London, followed by Kent Police and West Yorkshire Police.
While existing legislation under the Theft Act of 1968 criminalizes pet theft with a maximum prison term of seven years, advocates argue that current sentencing practices fail to adequately address the emotional impact on pet owners and the unique nature of the crime.
Conservative MP Anna Firth, the driving force behind the Pet Abduction Bill, emphasized the necessity of recognizing pets as sentient beings rather than mere possessions. She underscored the importance of swift legislative action to provide relief to victims and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences.
Firth’s proposed legislation introduces two new criminal offenses specifically targeting dog and cat abduction, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years. These provisions, though carrying a shorter maximum sentence than the existing Theft Act, aim to increase the likelihood of prosecution for pet theft cases.
The bill, backed by the Government, is set for further consideration in the Commons, signaling a pivotal step toward enacting comprehensive measures to combat pet theft across England and Northern Ireland. Additionally, it offers provisions for extending the legislation to cover other types of pets if deemed necessary in the future.
