Julian Knight MP met with campaigners from the Stolen & Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA) to hear their concerns about the current state of the law on pet theft.
They explained the thinking behind a new piece of legislation they have drafted: the Pet (Theft) Bill, which would make stealing pets a distinct legal offence.
Such a change is intended to reflect a clear difference between taking an inanimate object and a living, thinking being such as a dog or cat.
Speaking after PMQs, Julian Knight said:
“It was very interesting to meet the campaigners from SAMPA and hear first-hand their concerns about the law governing pet theft. As a cat owner myself I appreciate the huge amount of hurt, both to owners and pets, caused by this vicious crime, and I will always be proud to stand up for animal welfare here in Parliament.”
