Date: 17 Sep 2021
A new criminal offence for pet abduction is set to be introduced under government plans to crack down on pet theft following a reported rise in pets being stolen during the pandemic. The new law will recognise the welfare of animals and that pets are valued as more than property, ministers want a new law to acknowledge the emotional distress it can cause.
The new offence is one of several recommendations in a report published by the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce which was launched in May 2021. The Taskforce’s recommendations include:
The creation of a new ‘pet abduction’ offence:
Pet theft is currently treated as a loss of property to the owner, but we know that does not reflect the true severity of this crime. The new offence will prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings and recognise the emotional distress to the animal in addition to its owner.
Identifying and tracking cases:
Reliable data on pet theft is limited and improved recording and data collection about these crimes will build a stronger evidence base about the problem.
Improving the recording of ownership and transfer data:
New requirements to register additional details and a single point of access to microchipping databases will support tracking lost and stolen dogs.
Tackling the fear of crime:
Police will work together with partner agencies to raise awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures
The proposal is one of a string of recommendations in a report by the pet theft taskforce – set up to tackle an increase in incidents during lockdown. It found that around 2,000 dogs were reported stolen last year.
Amid a surge in animal thefts during the Covid pandemic, the offence of pet abduction will be introduced through primary legislation and will cover all pet theft, although evidence found 70% of reported animal thefts involve dogs.
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