We call on the government to push through the Pet Theft Reform bill. 

Currently, dogs are treated like property, but there is clear evidence that pet theft leaves families bereft and traumatised. Pet theft must become a specific offence with sentencing that reflects the emotional stress of the victim.

Dr. Daniel Allen, founder of campaign group Pet Theft Reform, says:

Pets are family. Their abduction is a traumatic experience. Despite this, stolen pets are regarded as personal property, with sentences dependent on monetary value. The government should recognise the emotional and welfare impacts this crime has on people and pets by introducing a ‘pet abduction’ offence.

“Pet Theft Reform has been campaigning to make pet theft a specific offence with access to appropriate custodial sentences since 2018. Our petitions in four years received a total of 684,970 signatures, and each triggered parliamentary debates. Following a recommendation from the Pet Theft Taskforce, the government added pet abduction (“taking of pets”) to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill in November 2021. We call for this bill to be signed into law separately after the government dropped the Kept Animals Bill and, with it, Pet Theft Reform in May 2023.”