Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter is pleased to announce that the Pet Abduction Bill has officially become law. This landmark legislation marks a significant step forward in the protection of our beloved pets.
The Pet Abduction Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. Under this new law, anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
The Act acknowledges that cats and dogs are not merely inanimate objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and other emotional trauma when taken from their owners. Evidence from the Pet Theft Taskforce indicates that in 2020 alone, there were around 2,000 dog thefts and over 400 cat thefts reported to police, causing significant distress to both pets and their owners.
Chris Bray, Chief Executive of Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, expressed his support for the new law: “We are delighted to see that pet theft has now been made a specific offence in law. Pets are integral to our wellbeing, and an important part of our families. Recognising that they are more than just property is a significant victory for animal lovers everywhere.”
Support for the Act also builds upon broader efforts to protect pets from theft, including making the microchipping of cats compulsory from 10 June 2024. This initiative aims to make it easier for lost, stray, or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.
With an estimated 28% of UK adults owning a dog and 24% owning a cat, this new law represents a crucial step in addressing a major concern for pet owners across the country.