At the moment, stolen cats and canine are handled the identical in regulation as a pinched iPhone

The Pet Abduction Invoice, which has been introduced ahead as a backbench invoice by Anna Firth MP (Southend West), will make it a particular offence to abduct a cat or a canine, and might be prolonged to different pet animals sooner or later too.

Presently in regulation, the theft of a cat or canine is handled the identical as another stolen property, equivalent to a cell phone – highlighting the pressing want for change.

The RSPCA hopes stronger legal guidelines will introduce a “actual deterrent to those that perform this crime”.

Now – the regulation will proceed to Committee stage for additional scrutiny and debate.

David Bowles, head of public affairs on the RSPCA, mentioned: “The theft of a pet is devastating and we’d like more durable legal guidelines to behave as an actual deterrent to those that perform this crime; cracking down on those that steal individuals’s much-loved animals.

“We had been bitterly dissatisfied when plans to sort out pet theft hit the buffers when the UK Authorities binned its Stored Animals Invoice final yr – however fortunately Anna Firth MP has put this situation again on the agenda and we’re delighted this regulation has accomplished second studying.

“Pets are family members – and it simply isn’t acceptable that stealing a cat or canine is at the moment handled the identical in regulation as stealing a cell phone or different such possessions.

“Fortunately, this Invoice will change that and provides extra animals the popularity they deserve, which is so essential as we search to encourage everybody to create a greater world for each animal.”

The RSPCA additionally hopes the Invoice’s progress by way of Parliament will assist elevate consciousness of the steps individuals can take to maintain their pets protected – and stop them from being focused by thieves.

David added: “As an animal welfare charity, the RSPCA doesn’t deal immediately with pet theft – leaving prison issues equivalent to this to the experience of police – so we’d urge anybody who believes their pet has been taken to report the incident to police instantly.

“However we’d urge all pet homeowners to take additional precautions to guard their companions from thieves – by neutering their pets, guaranteeing they’re microchipped with up-to-date contact particulars registered and guaranteeing canine put on a collar with contact particulars embroidered or an engraved ID tag.

“Homeowners ought to by no means go away their canine tied up outdoors outlets or alone in vehicles, guarantee their gardens are safe with gates locked, and guarantee their canine has a great recall and doesn’t stray too far when off-lead on walks.

“House safety programs are one other useful gizmo in crime prevention – together with performing as a deterrent.”

The brand new regulation is anticipated to use in England, Wales and Northern Eire. Extra info on the RSPCA’s campaigning work for animals may be discovered on-line.

This yr the RSPCA celebrates its 2 hundredth birthday. To mark this particular anniversary the animal welfare charity needs to encourage a million individuals to affix their motion to enhance animals’ lives. To seek out out how one can be a part of their million-strong motion for animals go to www.rspca.org.uk/200.