New UK cat and dog law with people now facing 'five years in jail'

Cat and dog thieves are set to face up to 5 years in jail under tough new laws. Thieves and cruel criminals who steal dogs and cats across the UK could face up to five years in jail after MPs backed tough new laws on pet abductions.

Tory Anna Firth, who put it forward as a Private Members' Bill, told the Commons: "We are showing by our actions that cats and dogs are not just items, and that abducting them causes real distress to families and to individuals.

"Because actions speak far louder than words and this Bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK." Conservative MP Ben Everitt said the Bill resolves "a gap that has existed in law for far too long".

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Conservative frontbencher Robbie Moore said on behalf of the Government: "The unlawful taking of a pet is an abhorrent crime and it's right that perpetrators are brought to justice and this Bill recognises that." Cats Protection welcomed the Bill, stating it will "finally give pets the full recognition they deserve".

Firth (Southend West), the Bill’s sponsor, told the Commons: “We are showing by our actions that cats and dogs are not just items, and that abducting them causes real distress to families and to individuals. Because actions speak far louder than words and this Bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK.”

During the report stage of the Bill, Conservative former minister Sir Christopher Chope argued the Bill should only apply to dogs and cats which have been microchipped. The Christchurch MP said: “If you don’t have your cat or dog microchipped, then you shouldn’t be able to expect the law to come to rush to your assistance in the event of your cat or dog being abducted.

“So, because apart from anything else, if you complain to the police that your cat or dog has been abducted and it hasn’t been microchipped, it is all the more difficult to identify it and search for it, and so on.

“It seemed to me that on that great principle of English equity, if you seek to come to the law, and protection of the law, you should come with clean hands.”