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MPs back law to make dog and cat theft specific crimes
Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this" – Anna Firth.
Thieves could face up to five years in prison.

The Pet Abduction Bill has passed through its final stage in the House of Common, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.

Proposed by backbench MP Anna Firth as a private members’ bill, the legislation has been backed by the government and by MPs from across the political spectrum. It will now go to the House of Lords.

If it becomes law, the bill will make dog and cat abduction specific crimes in England and Northern Ireland, recognising that animals are sentient beings. Legally, abducted pets are currently classed in the same category as stolen inanimate objects.

Those who break the proposed law could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The bill will also make it possible to introduce similar rules in the future to cover the abduction of other animals kept as pets.

Research by the insurer Direct Line suggests that 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023, with just 16 per cent successfully found and returned home. This was the lowest level of stolen dogs recovered since Direct Line began tracking the data in 2015.

Ms Firth said: “As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that theft of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this. Pets are not merely ornamental in our lives – they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law didn't recognise this.”

Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for Cats Protection, said:“We’re hugely encouraged to see the Pet Abduction Bill making such swift progress through parliament and will be working tirelessly with other animal charities and politicians to push it forwards. We cannot let this important opportunity to protect pets and owners slip through our hands.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.