Pets no longer an easy target for criminal profiteers, thanks to Pet Abduction Act

Pets will no longer be an easy target for criminal profiteers following the introduction of the Pet Abduction Act, according to a leading UK animal charity.

 Cats Protection says the new law – which came into force on 24 August – will for the first time recognise pet theft as a new specific crime and take into account the pain, stress and fear suffered by stolen cats and dogs and their owners.

 Annabel Berdy, Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection, said: "We know pets are being stolen – either for onward sale or to be forced into life as breeding machines to produce offspring for sale. It must be utterly terrifying for a pet which has known nothing but love and care in a family home to be snatched by criminals who have no interest in their welfare.

 "This new law will for the first time recognise the on-going pain and stress suffered by stolen animals and their owners. For many of us, pets are part of our family and for them to be stolen without a trace is a horrendous experience. Some people may never find out what happened to their much-loved pet, which can bring unbearable distress. We hope this new law will deter criminals and give owners confidence that their pets are protected.

 "Under the new law, police must now record pet theft as a specific crime. Up until now, stolen animals have simply been recorded as theft of property, in the same category as a mobile phone or a bike, and clearly that is not how we view our pets.

 "By recording it 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. 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."

The Pet Abduction Bill was introduced as a Private Members Bill by former MP Anna Firth and was one of the final pieces of legislation passed before the General Election in July.

Cats Protection is the UK's leading cat welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 200 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.