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Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"The hon. Gentleman makes a particularly relevant point. I agree that we must support any endeavour to improve legislation around animal cruelty.

The penalty for pet theft is based on the monetary value of the pets, not the emotional value to the owner. The 2015 theft offences guidelines classified the …..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"The hon. Gentleman, as ever, makes a learned contribution—I appreciate the history...."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"Fifty quid, indeed.

At present, the sentencing guidelines are such that it is hard to see a situation where a non-financially valuable pet can get out of category 4 and a prized pedigree can get out of category 3. That is clearly wrong. We should not tie the hands of …..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"I agree with my hon. Friend. That is a worthy subject for further debate.

In June 2018, a gang of four were tried at Lincoln Crown court following a burglary in Middle Rasen, Lincolnshire. Fifteen Cavalier King Charles spaniels were taken, including one that was pregnant. One of the dogs …..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"That is well said, and I agree wholeheartedly.

Although the word “property” understandably makes many pet owners uncomfortable, our pets would be better protected if they were properly detailed in the 1968 Act, because that would strengthen the aggravated sentence provision, as is already the case with vehicles and bicycles.

…..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"That is true; the hon. Gentleman has hit the nail on the head in terms of the difference.

SAMPA asks the Minister to reclassify pet theft as a crime in its own right, as is the case with vehicles and bicycles, and to add aggravated sentence provision for pet theft, …..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Speech in Westminster Hall - Mon 02 Jul 2018
Pet Theft

"I thank all the Members who got involved in this important debate, particularly my hon. Friends the Members for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill (Hugh Gaffney) and for Peterborough (Fiona Onasanya), and the hon. Members for Crawley (Henry Smith), for Dartford (Gareth Johnson), for Aberdeen South (Ross Thomson), for Ayr, Carrick …..."
Mike Hill - View Speech

View all Mike Hill (Lab - Hartlepool) contributions to the debate on: Pet Theft
Written Question
Animal Welfare: EU Law
Wednesday 18th October 2017

Asked by: Mike Hill (Labour - Hartlepool)

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his oral contribution of 20 July 2017, HC Deb col 627, if he will ensure that Article 13 is carried over into UK law.

Answered by George Eustice

The EU (Withdrawal) Bill will convert the existing body of direct EU animal welfare laws to become UK laws. Most of these EU laws relate to farmed animals and many were passed after Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) came into effect.

Article 13 of the TFEU created a qualified obligation on the EU and EU Member States “to have full regard to the welfare of animals [as they are sentient beings]” when formulating and implementing certain EU laws.

We are exploring how the ‘animal sentience’ principle of Article 13 can continue to be reflected in the UK when we leave the EU. The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and our ambition is not only to maintain but enhance these standards.