A new Pet Abduction Act law has come into effect from Saturday August 24 in the UK. Under the Pet Abduction Act 2024, anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
HOORAY!!!!!!! 🎉
Up to now, animals have not been considered sentient and theft of an animal would be treated as theft of any other property, like a bike or a teapot.
The government says that “The new law recognises that cats and dogs are not inanimate objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and other emotional trauma when they are stolen from their owners or keepers.”
Here are some useful references:
Pet Abduction Bill becomes law
Protect your pooch (good advice, but needs updating for new law)
New law affecting dog and cat owners
How to prevent theft
Don’t make it easy for the thief
Microchip
Have recent photos
Secure your property
Train your dog to recall, or keep him on lead
Don’t chatter on social media - especially if your dog is a small dog attractive to puppy farmers
Always know where your dog is, and keep your eyes on him!
Imagine your dog is a wallet stuffed with money. Would you leave it on view and unattended in your car, your garden, on the ground outside a shop??
Isn’t your dog more precious than that wallet?
I’ll look forward to hearing about the first successful prosecution of these vile people. The only snag is that at present the prisons are overflowing, so custodial sentences are not easily given. Though many people get suspended sentences that may prevent repeat offending.
Not in UK?
Here’s your chance to start campaigning in your country, with evidence that these laws exist elsewhere!
