Found: Ongoing Bills include the Livestock Exports Bill; the Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets Bill; and the Pet

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to address dog thefts in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We fully understand the devastating impact the theft of a pet can have, which is why in 2016 we made it compulsory to microchip all pet dogs in England and have extended this legislation to include cats from 10 June 2024.

On 29 March, we published the Government’s response to a consultation on cat and dog microchipping that sets out how we will address a number of recommendations made in the Pet Theft Taskforce report. This includes developing a new single point of search portal to make it easier to search compliant databases for a microchip record and strengthening the process for changing keepership.

We are also already supporting Anna Firth’s Pet Abduction Bill through parliament. This Private Member’s Bill is looking to introduce new offences for dog and cat abduction. Alongside this, police forces are working together to better coordinate and share best practice and advice on the steps owners can take to protect their pets.

This package of measures will help protect dogs and cats across England, including in the Romford constituency.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle dog theft.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We understand the devastating impact that the theft of a pet can have. The Government launched a Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021 in response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft during COVID-19 restrictions. The taskforce published its findings and recommendations in September 2021, including the creation of a specific offence. We are making improvements to the cat and dog microchipping regime in England in line with the taskforce’s recommendations. In addition, police forces are working together to better coordinate and share best practice and advice on the steps owners can take to protect their pets.

The hon. Member for Southend West introduced a Pet Abduction Bill on 6 December 2023 and I welcome her interest in improving animal welfare. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when it receives its Second Reading.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of cat abductions.

Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We understand the devastating impact that the theft of a pet can have. We have already introduced legislation to extend compulsory microchipping to cats in England from 10 June 2024. The new legislation is intended to increase the likelihood that lost or stolen pet cats can be reunited with their keeper.

The Government launched a Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021 in response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft during covid restrictions. The Taskforce published its findings and recommendations in September of that year, including the creation of a specific offence. We are making improvements to the cat and dog microchipping regime in England in line with the taskforce’s recommendations.

The Honourable Member for Southend-West introduced a Pet Abduction Bill on 6 December and I welcome her interest in improving animal welfare. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when it receives its Second Reading.

Found: Pet Abduction Bill: HL Bill 62 of 2023–24

Found: Pet Abduction Bill 2023-24

Found: Paper 106 19th Report of Session 2023–24 Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill: Government Response Pet

Found: recommendations from the Pet Theft Task Force, and have recently confirmed Government support for the Pet

Found: The Pet Abduction Bill – which has government support - will create a new specific offence to tackle

Found: The recently introduced Pet Abduction Bill – which has government support - will create a new specific

Found: Under the Pet Abduction Bill - a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Anna Firth MP – anyone found guilty