Proposals to ensure criminals face up to five years in jail for abducting cats and dogs have moved closer to becoming law after they cleared the Commons.
The Pet Abduction Bill, which would apply in England and Northern Ireland, creates two new offences and will now be sent to the House of Lords for further consideration.
Animals are regarded as property under existing theft legislation, with campaigners arguing for the emotional value of pets to be recognised and the distress caused if they are stolen.
Conservative MP Anna Firth (Southend West), the Bill’s sponsor, told the Commons: “We are showing by our actions that cats and dogs are not just items, and that abducting them causes real distress to families and to individuals.
“Because actions speak far louder than words and this Bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK.”
Conservative MP Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes North) said the Bill resolves “a gap that has existed in law for far too long”, adding that current legislation does not reflect the impact of pet abduction.
During the report stage of the Bill, Conservative former minister Sir Christopher Chope argued the Bill should only apply to dogs and cats which have been microchipped.
The Christchurch MP said: “If you don’t have your cat or dog microchipped, then you shouldn’t be able to expect the law to come to rush to your assistance in the event of your cat or dog being abducted.
“So, because apart from anything else, if you complain to the police that your cat or dog has been abducted and it hasn’t been microchipped, it is all the more difficult to identify it and search for it, and so on.
“It seemed to me that on that great principle of English equity, if you seek to come to the law, and protection of the law, you should come with clean hands.”
It is compulsory for dogs to be microchipped and this will also apply to pet cats from June, under new Government reforms which aim to make microchip records easier to access, improve the accuracy of the information they contain and standardise databases.
“For completeness, failing to comply with such a notice is an offence and subject to a fine of £500.”
Sir Christopher also argued the Bill should be extended to cover other pets such as tortoises.
MPs agreed to amend the Bill to ensure the sections on dog and cat abduction also extend to Wales.
Labour said it “strongly supports” the Bill.
Conservative frontbencher Mr Moore, ahead of the Bill receiving an unopposed third reading, said on behalf of the Government: “The unlawful taking of a pet is an abhorrent crime and it’s right that perpetrators are brought to justice and this Bill recognises that.”
Animal welfare charity Cats Protection welcomed the Bill, stating it will “finally give pets the full recognition they deserve”.
The charity’s senior advocacy and government relations officer Annabel Berdy said the Bill will “help stamp out the criminal activities that prey on much-loved pet cats by onward selling or from breeding kittens to sell”.
