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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.