London, 24h May 2024
Today (Friday 24th May) the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF) has welcomed Patron Anna Firth MP’s Pet Abduction Bill passing its Remaining Stages in the House of Lords led by Lord Black.
During the Bill’s Third Reading in the House of Commons, Anna Firth MP asserted that: “This bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK”. She added that “Pets need to be recognised in law for the sentient beings they are…. This Bill is the opportunity to do that”.
The Pet Abduction Bill will make dog and cat abduction a specific offence and make provisions against the abduction of other animals commonly kept as pets (such as ferrets). This legislation will also address the growing problem of pet theft and deliver part of Defra’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare (2021).
Currently, under the law there is little to deter criminals who would seek to profit from the sale of a stolen pet. The theft of a pet cat or dog is treated no more severely than that of a mobile phone.
You can read more about the Pet Abduction Bill in the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation briefing here.
Anna Firth MP commented: “I am absolutely delighted that my Pet Abduction Bill has now passed all of its Parliamentary stages and will go on to receive Royal Assent.
“As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact the theft of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice in a way that correctly reflects this.
“Pets are not merely items in our lives, they are sentient beings, and it is not right that the law does not distinguish this.
“My thanks to Lord Black, Debbie Matthews, Dr Dan Allen, Pet Theft Alliance, Tilly’s Angels, the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and Cats Protection, the Dogs Trust, Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, Refuge and Pet Theft Awareness, all of whom have provided invaluable insight on my Bill.”
Lord Black of Brentwood commented; “I am delighted that the Pet Abduction Act is now on the statute book. We have seen a great deal of important animal welfare legislation in this Parliament – and it seems fitting that it should end with this vital step forward. It will make a real difference to millions of families, like my own, who love their pets. I am so grateful to the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, as well as all the other charities in the sector, who have given such strong support. This is a victory for all of you.”
Lorraine Platt, Co-Founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, commented: “We are delighted our Patron Anna Firth MP’s Pet Abduction Bill which will tackle the growing issue of pet theft has passed its Remaining Stages in the House of Lords led by Lord Black today. This Bill will deliver a key component of Defra’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare (2021) and address an issue close to the hearts of the British public.
“Our pets are members of the family, often providing much-needed companionship and stability throughout our lives. That the theft of a treasured pet is treated no more severely under the law than that of a mobile phone is simply unacceptable, and we look forward to seeing this legislation provide an effective deterrent against such offences.
“We would like to thank Anna Firth MP and Lord Black for the hard work and time they have spent on this important Bill, and we look forward to the Bill receiving Royal Assent in due course.”
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness of the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impacts animal welfare, the environment, and people’s health. We want to highlight the actions people can take to help advance farm animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an increasing concern amongst the public, who frequently look to Government to take the lead in both maintaining and improving standards.
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation believes it is highly important that the welfare of farm animals is placed at the forefront of the Government’s plan for food and farming along with its focus on productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Media contact: Lorraine Platt (lorraine.platt@conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org)
