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MPs back law to make dog and cat theft specific crimes
Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this" – Anna Firth.
Thieves could face up to five years in prison.

The Pet Abduction Bill has passed through its final stage in the House of Common, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.

Proposed by backbench MP Anna Firth as a private members’ bill, the legislation has been backed by the government and by MPs from across the political spectrum. It will now go to the House of Lords.

If it becomes law, the bill will make dog and cat abduction specific crimes in England and Northern Ireland, recognising that animals are sentient beings. Legally, abducted pets are currently classed in the same category as stolen inanimate objects.

Those who break the proposed law could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The bill will also make it possible to introduce similar rules in the future to cover the abduction of other animals kept as pets.

Research by the insurer Direct Line suggests that 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023, with just 16 per cent successfully found and returned home. This was the lowest level of stolen dogs recovered since Direct Line began tracking the data in 2015.

Ms Firth said: “As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that theft of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this. Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this.”

Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for Cats Protection, said:“We’re hugely encouraged to see the Pet Abduction Bill making such swift progress through parliament and will be working tirelessly with other animal charities and politicians to push it forwards. We cannot let this important opportunity to protect pets and owners slip through our hands.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.