Stealing a canine or a cat is to turn into a selected prison offence in Northern Ireland below plans backed by the UK authorities.
The Pet Abduction Bill, a non-public member’s invoice launched at Westminster by Southend West MP Anna Firth and now formally backed by authorities ministers, proposes to create a variety of new offences in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Speaking to MPs on Friday, Ms Firth acknowledged that the theft of a cat or a canine “is already a crime”, however added that dogs and cats “are sentient beings… [which] needs to be properly reflected in our criminal law”.
Under the draft invoice, these discovered responsible of the 2 new offences of canine abduction and cat abduction resist 12 months’ imprisonment on abstract conviction in Northern Ireland, or as much as 5 years’ imprisonment on conviction on indictment.
Another provision permits the provisions to be prolonged past dogs and cats to different frequent pets by secondary laws.
It is considerably uncommon that the invoice covers Northern Ireland, as animal welfare is devolved and most recent animal welfare laws debated in Westminster has not prolonged to Northern Ireland.
Steve Barclay, the UK’s surroundings secretary, mentioned: “As a dog owner myself, I appreciate deeply what treasured members of the family dogs and cats are. It is a deeply traumatic experience for both the owner and the pet when they are stolen.
“This vital bill will recognise the severity of this shocking crime and should act as a deterrent to anyone considering stealing a dog or cat. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”
Ms Firth added: “I am absolutely delighted that the Pet Abduction Bill has passed its second reading, and will move on to committee stage. As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that the abduction of a pet can have, and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this.
“Pets are not merely property like a smartphone or watch — they are part of the family. It is not right that the law does not distinguish this and I am delighted that my bill will redress this wrong.”
