Pet campaigners have welcomed a law that came into force yesterday making the theft of a cat or taking or detaining a dog a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland. Under the Pet Abduction Act 2024, anyone found guilty of stealing a cat or dog could face up to five years in prison as well as a fine. The bill was promoted by Anna Firth, who was Conservative MP for Southend West and Leigh until losing her seat in July. It was one of the last pieces of legislation passed before the general election. Pet abduction has become a growing concern in the UK in recent years, with dogs the most commonly stolen animals. Research from Direct Line Pet Insurance suggests that 2,290 dogs were reported stolen in 2023, equivalent to six animals a day. But until now, abduction of a pet was considered theft of property, and the legal measures fell under the 1968 Theft Act. Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said such a classification ignored the fact that having a pet abducted was often “stressful and heartbreaking”. “For most owners, a pet is a member of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing where they are, is devastating. However, despite the obvious emotional impact pet theft has on families and owners, until now it has been treated no differently from the theft of a mobile phone or laptop.” Campaigners have for years been pushing for more stringent measures against the crime of pet theft. They say the new law finally recognises the emotional toll the crime takes on victims and would be aimed at criminals who until now had free rein to target much-loved animals for their own gain. The bill specifically references dogs and cats but says corresponding provisions will be made for “the abduction of other animals commonly kept as pets”. A key factor in the rise in pet thefts was people’s desire for companionship during the Covid lockdowns. The extra demand created by the pandemic provided criminals and gangs with opportunities to profit from illegal breeding and farming of cats and dogs, as well as pet thefts. “By recording it [pet theft] as a specific crime, we will now be able to identify the animals and breeds most at risk, and the areas where pets are being targeted,” said Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for leading charity Cats Protection. “The underground trade in stolen pets has been allowed to flourish for too long, and finally this new law will help us begin to stamp it out once and for all.” Boyden stressed that it was important that owners of pets, in particular dogs, continue to protect their animals from abduction. “Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area,” she said, “and if you are walking them off lead, always keep them in sight. “You should also be careful with what details you share online about your canine companions.” This article was amended on 24 August 2024 to clarify that the new legislation applies to England and Northern Ireland. Animal welfare is a devolved matter in Scotland and Wales.