Currently, stolen cats and canines are handled the identical in legislation as a pinched iPhone
The Pet Abduction Bill, which has been introduced ahead as a backbench invoice by Anna Firth MP (Southend West), will make it a particular offence to abduct a cat or a canine, and may very well be prolonged to different pet animals sooner or later too.
Presently in legislation, the theft of a cat or canine is handled the identical as every other stolen property, akin to a cell phone – highlighting the pressing want for change.
The RSPCA hopes stronger legal guidelines will introduce a “actual deterrent to those that perform this crime”.
Now – the legislation will proceed to Committee stage for additional scrutiny and debate.
David Bowles, head of public affairs on the RSPCA, mentioned: “The theft of a pet is devastating and we want more durable legal guidelines to behave as an actual deterrent to those that perform this crime; cracking down on those that steal folks’s much-loved animals.
“We have been bitterly disillusioned when plans to sort out pet theft hit the buffers when the UK Government binned its Kept Animals Bill final 12 months – however fortunately Anna Firth MP has put this difficulty again on the agenda and we’re delighted this legislation has accomplished second studying.
“Pets are family members – and it simply isn’t applicable that stealing a cat or canine is at the moment handled the identical in legislation as stealing a cell phone or different such possessions.
“Thankfully, this Bill will change that and provides extra animals the popularity they deserve, which is so necessary as we search to encourage everybody to create a greater world for each animal.”
The RSPCA additionally hopes the Bill’s progress by means of Parliament will assist elevate consciousness of the steps folks can take to maintain their pets secure – and forestall them from being focused by thieves.
David added: “As an animal welfare charity, the RSPCA doesn’t deal immediately with pet theft – leaving prison issues akin to this to the experience of police – so we’d urge anybody who believes their pet has been taken to report the incident to police instantly.
“But we’d urge all pet house owners to take further precautions to guard their companions from thieves – by neutering their pets, making certain they’re microchipped with up-to-date contact particulars registered and making certain canines put on a collar with contact particulars embroidered or an engraved ID tag.
“Owners ought to by no means go away their canines tied up exterior outlets or alone in automobiles, guarantee their gardens are safe with gates locked, and guarantee their canine has a superb recall and doesn’t stray too far when off-lead on walks.
“Home safety methods are one other great tool in crime prevention – together with appearing as a deterrent.”
The new legislation is predicted to use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. More info on the RSPCA’s campaigning work for animals may be discovered online.
This 12 months the RSPCA celebrates its two hundredth birthday. To mark this particular anniversary the animal welfare charity needs to encourage a million folks to affix their motion to enhance animals’ lives. To discover out how one can be part of their million-strong motion for animals go to www.rspca.org.uk/200.