Blue Cross supports the call for theft of a pet to be made a specific crime
Blue Cross calls on the Government to take action to ensure pet theft is recognised as a very serious and unique offence.
Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at national pet charity Blue Cross, said: “Pet theft is currently covered by the Theft Act 1968 and is not a specific crime in its own right.
“In effect, pets are simply classed as ‘property’ which means the crime is given the same legal standing as theft of a laptop or TV, despite the fact that an animal is a living, sentient being and will suffer greatly from being wrenched away from their home.
“Pets are not inanimate objects, they are members of the family and their loss causes deep trauma and distress to pet owners. Blue Cross supports the call for theft of a pet to be made a specific crime and calls on the Government to take action to ensure pet theft is recognised as a very serious and unique offence.”
