New UK Dog Laws Come into Effect, Could See Offenders Jailed for up to Five Years

It is a cruel crime that can cause heartbreak for families and suffering for animals. But in one part of the North West, there has been a significant increase in dog thefts.

This weekend (24th August) sees the launch of the Pet Abduction Bill. Kidnapping a pet will be a criminal offence and anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland could face up to five years in prison, a fine or both.

The new law recognizes that cats and dogs are not inanimate objects, but sentient beings who can experience stress and other emotional trauma when stolen from their owners or caregivers.

Police data provided by Direct Line Insurance revealed that an estimated 2,290 dogs were reported stolen in the UK in 2023, the equivalent of six a day. The number of dogs stolen increased by six per cent compared to the 2,160 dogs reported stolen in 2022.

Sadly, the number of dogs successfully returned to their owners has dropped by 36 per cent, with only one in six (16 per cent) being returned. This is the lowest level of successful returns since Direct Line began tracking data in 2015.

Lancashire saw an 18 per cent increase in thefts, from 103 in 2022 to 122 last year. With 359 dog thefts reported by the Metropolitan Police in 2023 alone, London was once again the 'dog theft capital of the UK', having topped the list since 2015. Kent Police saw the second highest number of reported thefts with 138 dogs stolen in 2023, while West Yorkshire came a close third with 125 dogs stolen. Gloucestershire Constabulary and Surrey Police reported two thefts, the lowest number of any police area.

The most recent figures available for Greater Manchester are 111 dogs stolen in 2020 with 24 returned, and 109 taken in 2021 with again 24 returned. In Cheshire, 45 were stolen in 2020 and 10 were returned, and 19 were stolen in 2021 and 9 were returned.

In February this year, two dogs were stolen from their owners' gardens in Manchester in the middle of the day. Millie and Rosie were seized from a garden in Levenshulme on 23 February. Both were microchipped.

Rosie, a five-year-old all-white Maltese mixed with a Shih Tzu, and Millie, a seven-year-old Lhasa Apso mixed with a Jack Russell, were eventually found in March after a police call. No charges were filed, as the dogs were found wandering in a nearby area.

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said: "Our annual index shows that dog theft continues to rise. We understand the heartbreak and anxiety that owners across the country face when their pet is stolen, which is why we welcome the introduction of the Pet Abduction Bill from this weekend.

"This new law means that people convicted of this crime could face up to five years in prison, as pets are now considered sentient beings. For pet owners, it can feel like a family member has been taken away when they fall victim to this crime and this new law emphasises the importance of our pets."

Support for the new law builds on wider measures to protect pets from theft, including the requirement to fit microchips to cats from 10 June 2024. This will make it easier for lost, stray or stolen pets to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.

MP Anna Firth, the bill's sponsor, told the House of Commons: "Our actions show that cats and dogs are not just objects, and that their removal causes real suffering for families and individuals. Because actions speak louder than words and this bill will send a signal that we take animal welfare seriously in the UK."

MP Ben Everitt said the bill "closes a loophole that has existed for far too long", adding that current legislation does not reflect the impact of pet kidnapping. During the bill's reporting phase, former Conservative minister Sir Christopher Chope argued that the bill should only apply to microchipped dogs and cats.

Dogs are required to have a microchip. Since June, this also applies to domestic cats. The government has introduced new reforms aimed at making chip data more easily accessible, improving the accuracy of the information in the data and standardizing databases.

Environment Minister Robbie Moore said guidelines would be drawn up for police, adding: "In the event that they are able to recover a kidnapped cat or dog that has not been microchipped, they have the power to issue a notice under the UK's microchipping regulations, which state that pets must be microchipped within 21 days.

"For the sake of completeness, failure to comply with such a notice is an offence and may result in a fine of £500."

Ways to Protect Your Dog from Theft

1. Make sure your dog has a microchip and that you keep your contact details up to date

2. Your dog should always wear an identification tag with your name and address on it. We recommend that you do not put your pet's name on the collar, as this will make it easier for thieves to lure him.

3. Be wary of strangers who ask you questions about your dog, bend down to pet him, or appear overly friendly and/or curious

4. Never leave your dog tied up in a store, even if it's just to buy a carton of milk.

5. Never leave your dog alone in a car. Not only can this lead to overheating, but thieves can and will break into vehicles.

6. Avoid walking your dog late at night when you are alone. If this is not possible, be aware of your surroundings.

Steps to follow if your dog is stolen

1. First check your dog's surroundings and favorite spots, in case he has wandered off

2. Get the local community involved and make your dog 'too hot to handle' by sharing this with local groups, putting up posters, informing the local media and using social media - adding photos and descriptions of any distinctive markings or personality traits

3. There are a number of specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, such as doglost.co.uk

4. Report your dog stolen to the police and provide them with as many details as possible

5. Report your dog stolen to local pet services such as veterinarians, animal shelters, pet stores, dog wardens, and the city. Provide photos, a physical description, and the dog's microchip number.

6. Register your dog with the microchip database and ensure your contact details are up to date