Animal rights activists have welcomed the law that came into effect yesterday making it a criminal offence to steal a cat or take or keep a dog in the UK.

Under the Pet Abduction Act of 2024, anyone found guilty of stealing a cat or dog could face up to five years in prison and a fine.

The bill was promoted by Anna Firth, who was the Conservative MP for Southend West and Leigh until she lost her seat in July. It was one of the last laws passed before the general election.

Pet kidnapping has become a growing concern in the UK in recent years, with dogs being the most commonly stolen animal. Research from Direct Line Pet Insurance suggests that 2,290 dogs will be reported stolen in 2023, the equivalent of six animals every day.

But until now, kidnapping a pet was considered theft of property, with legal action taken under the Theft Act of 1968. Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said such a classification ignored the fact that kidnapping a pet 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. But despite the obvious emotional impact pet theft has on families and owners, it has so far been treated no differently to the theft of a mobile phone or laptop.”

Campaigners have been calling for tougher measures to tackle the crime of pet theft for years. They say the new law would finally recognise the emotional toll the crime takes on victims and would target criminals who have previously had free rein to target beloved animals for their own gain.

The bill specifically refers to dogs and cats, but also makes similar provisions for ‘the abduction of other animals normally kept as pets’.

A major factor in the increase in pet thefts has been people’s need for companionship during Covid lockdowns. The extra demand created by the pandemic has provided opportunities for criminals and gangs to profit from illegal breeding and ranching of cats and dogs, as well as pet thefts.

“By registering it (pet theft) as a specific offence, we can now 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 flourished for too long, and finally this new law will help us stamp it out once and for all.”

Boyden stressed the importance of pet owners, especially dogs, continuing to protect their animals from being kidnapped. “Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a public area,” she said, “and if you do let them off the leash, always keep them in sight.

“You also have to be careful about the details you share about your canine friends online.”