Penrith MP Neil Hudson has welcomed the news that a new offence of pet abduction is due to be created.
Dr Hudson has been a long-term campaigner for a new offence to be created, he said, raising the issue in Parliament and highlighting the issue as a member of the Commons Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
The Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce is due to recommend the new law.
Dr Hudson said: “The pandemic has seen a concerning rise in pet theft and those taking part in such an abhorrent practice should be prosecuted with the full force of the law.
“I have met with Cumbria police over this cruel issue of animal thefts in our area, of pets, horses and farm livestock, and want to ensure they have all the tools at their disposal to deal with the problem.
“As a vet by profession, the only one in the Commons, I know the vital role that animals play in our lives; they give people companionship, hope and affection amongst many other things. We have a duty of care to protect and look after animals with dignity and respect as fully sentient beings.
A key pillar of my ongoing campaign on animal welfare is to stand up for animals and their owners by calling for tougher sentencing for those who commit offences against them.
“It is great to see the Government make positive moves in the right direction, building on the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act which became law in May which meant animal abusers could face up to five years in jail.
“I would like to see this new legislation also cover animals like horses and farm livestock, so we can put an end to the awful crime that is animal theft.”
Figures obtained through a freedom of information request revealed Cumbria Constabulary recorded 36 dog thefts in the 12 months ending March 31.
That was up from 19 the previous year.
Of the thefts reported in the latest 12-month period, the largest number – six – happened in August 2020.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: “Stealing a pet is not the same as a simple theft.
That is why I welcome the pet theft taskforce’s recommendation of a new pet abduction offence to allow our courts to hand out tougher sentences to those criminals who commit this awful crime.”
