The Pet Abduction Bill will become one of the most significant animal welfare laws when it comes into force later this year, according to one of the UK’s leading pet charities.
Cats Protection said the law – which has passed its final stages as part of the parliamentary wash-up – will, for the first time, recognise the pain, stress and fear suffered by stolen pets and their owners.
Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for Cats Protection, said: “Until now, the theft of pets has been dealt with in the same way as the theft of property like a mobile phone or a bike.
“It is not recorded as a specific offence, and there has been no recognition of the pain, fear and stress suffered by stolen pets and their owners.
“This has allowed pet theft to go unchecked for far too long, giving criminals free rein to target much-loved animals for their own gain.
“In the absence of specific legal protection for pets, a murky industry has been able to flourish – with pets being snatched from safe, loving homes to be kept as breeding animals or sold on.
“The Pet Abduction Bill will mean pets are no longer at the mercy of criminal profiteers.
“It will help us build a picture of the scale of the problem, identify high risk areas and map out the manner and pattern of this type of crime, which will help owners protect their pets.
“The Pet Abduction Bill could be one of the most significant animal welfare laws of recent times and will make a huge difference to many owners and their much-loved pets.”
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens per year over the last five years through its national network, which includes around 200 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.
