Under a new law that became effective over the weekend, pet thieves in Milton Keynes and the rest of the UK now face up to five years in prison.
Animal rights advocates have praised the legislation, which came into effect on Saturday, August 24, making the theft, detention, or abduction of dogs and cats a criminal offense in England and Northern Ireland.
The bill, championed by former Conservative MP, Anna Firth, before the July election, was one of the final pieces of legislation passed before the general election.
Under the Pet Abduction Act 2024, offenders convicted of stealing a cat or dog could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and fined.
Although the law primarily applies to dogs and cats, it also allows for future regulations to cover other commonly kept pets.
Campaigners have long called for stricter penalties for pet theft, arguing that the law now acknowledges the emotional trauma experienced by victims and targets those who exploit beloved animals for personal gain.
According to GOV.UK, data from the Pet Theft Taskforce revealed that in 2020, approximately 2,000 dog thefts and over 400 cat thefts were reported, causing significant distress to both owners and pets. With 28% of UK adults owning a dog and 24% owning a cat, pet theft has become a growing public concern.
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, emphasised the continued importance of pet owners, especially dog owners, taking steps to safeguard their pets from abduction. She advised, “Never leave your dog unattended, particularly in public spaces, and if walking off-lead, always keep them within sight.”
