Police chiefs have insisted that pet thieves who terrorise families will be punished by a law which lets officers “get on with the job”.
Tory MP Anna Firth’s Pet Abduction Bill would make forces take the issue more seriously and ensure harsher penalties for criminals, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) have said.
Donna Jones, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and PCC for Isle of Wight and Hampshire, said: “Pooches are being pinched at a rate of knots.
“One beloved family pet being stolen is far too many. However, since the pandemic it has spiralled out of control.
“This new law gives police the powers we need to get on with the job and catch the criminals who prey on cherished pets. It should make a massive difference.”
Katy Bourne, Sussex PCC, told how criminals who “terrorise” cherished family pets have had an easy ride for too long.
She said: “Now, we can get on with the job of bringing the perpetrators of this awful crime to justice.
“This milestone change brings the law into line with common sense and delivers for families and their much loved pets in a big way.”
Police figures suggest that at least 2,290 dogs were stolen last year, a 6% increase on 2022.
Just one in six (16%) were found and returned successfully, the lowest level since insurer Direct Line started tracking the data in 2015.
English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and XL bullies were the most frequently stolen breeds, while the Metropolitan Police registered the most thefts, with 359 dogs reported missing across London, followed by Kent Police (138) and West Yorkshire Police (125).
It is already a criminal offence to steal a pet under the Theft Act of 1968, with a maximum jail term of seven years for those convicted.
But animal thieves are less likely to get a prison sentence because the law treats them like any stolen object.
Campaigners have called for stronger legislation that reflects the emotional value of pets to their owners and the distress associated with their theft.
Tory MP Anna Firth said: “Thousands of dogs were stolen last year in the UK. But it’s more than just a number. Every dog or cat abducted is devastating.
“My Bill will finally allow the police and courts to treat pets as sentient beings, rather than objects.
“I can’t wait for this to become law as soon as possible to help victims of this dreadful crime.”
Ms Firth’s Bill, which is supported by the Government, returns to the Commons today (FRI) for report stage.
The Pet Abduction Bill would create two new criminal offences of dog abduction and cat abduction in England and Northern Ireland.
These would carry a maximum prison sentence of five years – which is lower than the current Theft Act but has a higher chance of being used.
It would also provide powers to extend the legislation to cover other pets if necessary.
