This morning (31 Jan) Darlington’s MP, Peter Gibson, served on The Bill Committee to progress a new law which will see pet abduction become a criminal offence.
The bill which would create an offence of "pet abduction" passed its first Commons hurdle unopposed today. Under the legislation, anyone convicted of the offence could face a fine or a maximum of five years in prison.
Peter commented, “This new law will be welcome by thousands of pet owners in Darlington. The Pet Abduction Bill will mean that anyone found guilty of stealing a pet will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
It is right that these criminals will face the justice they deserve, and I am proud to have served on this committee which is firmly on the side of fellow pet owners”.
Anna Firth MP, who bought forward the Bill commented, “As a nation of pet-lovers, it is vital that the law recognises the emotional impact that the abduction of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice that correctly reflects this.
Pets are not merely property like a smartphone or watch – they are part of the family. It is not right that the law does not distinguish this, and I am delighted that my bill will redress this wrong”
