Menu
Fri, 29 March 2024

Newsletter sign-up

Subscribe now
The House Live All
By Baroness Fox
Home affairs
Historic wins, inspiring moments and British success: MPs share what they’re looking forward at the Paris Olympics Partner content
Communities
Environment
Ethical and sustainable conservation can’t be achieved with endangered animals in hunters’ cross-hairs Partner content
Environment
Veterans falling victim to plague of process  Partner content
Communities
Press releases

Blue Cross comments following the Westminster Hall debate on Pet Theft

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs | Blue Cross

2 min read Partner content

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross pet charity reflects on a recent Westminster Hall debate on pet theft.


Yesterday’s Westminster Hall debate on pet theft showed the strength of feeling in the House of Commons on the devastating impact the theft of a pet can have on an owner.

Blue Cross knows just how much pets mean in our lives and they are much more than just property - which is how they are currently recognised. It was refreshing to see wide cross party support for calls to change legislation to ensure pet theft is recognised as a specific crime and those criminals who snatch beloved family members away are rightly punished.

Blue Cross is pleased that the Minister has promised to ensure the government collects accurate data on the number of reported pet thefts across all police forces but this is an empty victory if the government refuses to change legislation to make pet theft a specific crime and protect the animals in our lives.

Our charity takes many calls to our Pet Bereavement Support Service from people who face the turmoil of not knowing what has happened to their stolen pet and if they are safe, or even alive. It is the time for the government to recognise the value of pets as family members and change legislation to reflect this.

Read the most recent article written by Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs - Blue Cross comment on e-petition 229004 debate relating to the identification of pets