A new law has officially come into place as of today (August 24), meaning the theft or detaining of a cat or dog is now a criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland.

Under the Pet Abduction Act 2024 which received Royal Assent on May 24, criminals will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Private Members’ Bill was sponsored by Anna Firth MP and Lord Black of Brentwood, supported by the government.

GOV.UK explains: “The new law recognises that cats and dogs are not inanimate objects but sentient beings capable of experiencing distress and other emotional trauma when they are stolen from their owners or keepers. 

Pet Abduction Act 2024 will help 'identify the animals and breeds most at risk'

“Evidence from the Pet Theft Taskforce suggests around 2,000 dog and over 400 cat theft crimes were reported to police in 2020, causing considerable distress for owners and their pets alike.

“With an estimated 28% of UK adults owning a dog and 24% owning a cat, pet theft is a major concern to the public.”

Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer for leading charity Cats Protection told The Guardian: “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.

“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.”

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Until the Pet Abduction Act 2024, abduction of a pet was considered theft of property and the legal measures fell under the 1968 Theft Act, reports The Guardian.

Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust shared: “For most owners, a pet is a member of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing where they are, is devastating.

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“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.”

She added: “Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area 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.”