The Pet Abduction Bill has now passed several stages in the House of Commons and moved onto the House of Lords - the 2nd Reading is due in the Lords on the 10th May.
The private members Bill was introduced by Anna Firth MP and will create specific offences of dog abduction and cat abduction and plans to confer a power to make corresponding provision relating to the abduction of other animals commonly kept as pets.
There is currently no legislation aimed at addressing pet theft specifically. Animals fall under the definition of property in legislation, and as such pet theft is dealt with under the Theft Act 1968. Campaigners have called for stronger legislation that reflects the emotional value of pets to their owners and the distress associated with their theft.
