Petition · past parliament
Reclassification of pet theft and tougher sentencing
Rejected
17 signatures
What the petition asks
More than 60 dogs are stolen every week in England and Wales, but less than 5% of cases lead to convictions.
Pets are sentient beings, but pet theft is seen as no different to the theft of an inanimate object.
This petition calls for the reclassification of pet theft and tougher sentencing
Pets are sentient beings, but pet theft is seen as no different to the theft of an inanimate object.
This petition calls for the reclassification of pet theft and tougher sentencing
Under the Theft Act 1968, pets are regarded as property, however, most pets including dogs, cats and horses experience emotional distress when stolen.
Despite the emotional impact of the crime, minimum sentences may only include community service or a small fine.
Enforcement of existing laws do not currently act as a deterrent or fit the crime. This petition calls for the reclassification of pet theft and tougher sentencing.
For more information http://www.stolenandmissingpetsalliance.co.uk/
Despite the emotional impact of the crime, minimum sentences may only include community service or a small fine.
Enforcement of existing laws do not currently act as a deterrent or fit the crime. This petition calls for the reclassification of pet theft and tougher sentencing.
For more information http://www.stolenandmissingpetsalliance.co.uk/
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Timeline
| 6 Feb 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 8 Feb 2018 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
17
Status
Rejected
Rejected
8 Feb 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.