PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Pet theft reform (9 June 2021)

That this House notes with concern the recent increase in dog thefts and associated violence; acknowledges the unprecedented levels of demand for canine companionship during the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in inflated dog prices; recognises that people have an exceptionally powerful bond with their pets, regarding them as priceless, irreplaceable family members; is aware that dogs are stolen by organised gangs and opportunistic thieves, and regardless of the perpetrator, the likelihood of being caught, charged and prosecuted is very low; notes that the intrinsic value and welfare of stolen pets is not taken into account with sentencing, and pet theft is not regarded as a specific offence in current legislation; further acknowledges the campaigning work on this issue by Dr Daniel Allen, Debbie Matthews, the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance and the Pet Theft Reform Coalition; welcomes the formation of the Pet Theft Taskforce which works with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft, considering the issue from end to end (including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution); urges the UK Government to make pet theft a specific offence with a sentence which is proportionate to the harm caused to pet owners and the impact on pet welfare.

Sponsored by:
Dr Lisa Cameron (Conservative)