Pet theft awareness week 2022
If you share your home with an animal, you probably consider them a cherished member of your family. However, the law considers them to be property and if the unthinkable happened and your beloved companion were stolen, it’s unlikely the person responsible would ever be charged. This is why we desperately need pet theft reform.
This Pet Theft Awareness Week (14-21 March 2022), we’re delighted to announce that we’ve joined the Pet Theft Reform Coalition. The Coalition, which is led by Dr Daniel Allen and Debbie Matthews, brings together animal charities from across the UK. Supporters include MPs, academics and celebrities, including our Patron, Chris Packham. Crucially, all of the Coalition’s work is informed by evidence.
We’re proud to join the chorus of voices campaigning for pet theft to be made a specific offence in England and Wales with appropriate custodial sentences.
Why pet theft matters
Pet theft is traumatic for animals and humans alike. Victims report feelings of grief and loss. And although little is known about what happens to stolen animals, we do know that some dogs end up being used for breeding.
The true extent of pet theft is unknown, but in 2020, 1,504 dog thefts were recorded by police forces in England and Wales. Shockingly, less than 1% resulted in criminal charges. The true number of thefts could be higher as not all police forces record dog theft in the same way.
If you’re worried about dog theft, watch the below animation by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust for some tips on keeping yourself and your dog safe when out and about.
Pet theft and the law
At the moment, if a companion animal is stolen in England and Wales, the crime is dealt with under the Theft Act 1968. Unbelievably, stolen animals are treated the same as inanimate objects. Sentencing is influenced by the monetary value of the stolen animal, but the huge emotional impact on victims is not taken into account. This means that offenders – if caught – are likely to walk away with just a modest fine or suspended sentence.
A new Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is progressing through Parliament. This Bill would make dog theft an offence in England, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. This is fantastic progress, but it doesn’t go far enough; pet theft doesn’t just happen to dogs. Whilst research is more limited, it’s thought that three in ten stolen companion animals are not dogs. The Bill makes it possible to extend the offence to other species. But the question is: why delay?
We think the Government has the perfect opportunity now to protect all animals and their owners from the devastating impact of pet theft. If you agree, please sign the petition
to extend the new dog theft offence to cats and other animals kept as pets.
You can find out more about the Pet Theft Reform Coalition here. Follow and support the campaign here or on social media using the hashtag #PetTheftReform.
