Under the current law, no distinction is made between the theft of pets and the theft of possessions. Both are treated the same, meaning that in the eyes of the law, pets are considered as little more than inanimate objects. With an ever-growing market for the selling and breeding of ‘designer’ pooches, as well as a continued market for dog fighting, incidents of pet theft are on the rise. However, very few of those incidents ever make it to court,
and when they do, sentences for the few convicted are based primarily on the animal’s financial value. But as a nation of animal lovers, we know that losing a pet is about far more than just money.
This blog explores the possible changes that could be made to the legal framework relating to the theft of animals.
Some Statistics
Statistics quoted in Parliament suggest that the number of reported dog thefts was 14% higher in 2016 than in 2015, and rose a further 6.8% in 2017 (to 1,909 thefts). This equates to five dogs being stolen each day.
It is further reported that of the 1,678 recorded pet thefts in 2017, only 2% resulted in someone being charged. In fact, on average fewer than 5% of cases end in conviction – and those who are convicted typically receive a Community Order or a fine, rather than a custodial sentence.
As a result, not only do pet thieves know that the chance of being caught is minimal, they also know that even if caught they are unlikely to go to prison, and accordingly face no deterrence.
The Proposed Changes
The Pets (Theft) Bill underwent its first reading in the House of Commons on 3 July 2018. Drafted by Professor John Cooper QC, legal adviser to the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, the Bill was introduced after more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling for pet theft to be made a crime in its own right.
The Bill creates a new, separate criminal offence of pet theft, incorporating amendments into the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. The Bill has received cross-party backing; however, the date for its second reading is yet to be announced....
Follow the link to read the blog in full on the A-LAW website