Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Make cat theft a specific illegal offence.

Closed 68 signatures

What the petition asks

A specific offence for cat theft with serious deterrent is needed. An 8 year minimum sentencing and fine of at least £5,000. Cats are family members. Current laws don't reflect this. Dog fighters steal cats to kill them in practice bate. Demand for cats as pets, due to Covid, is fuelling cat theft.
There have been substantial increases in cat theft recently. There is insufficient deterrent. Cat theft is not currently a specific offence. Cats should be seen to have their own offence, to protect them. Current laws and penalties are not enough justice for families and cats that go through this trauma. They are legally allowed to roam freely so we should protect them.

Timeline

4 Jan 2021 Petition opened for signatures
4 Jul 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 68
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 4 Jan 2021
Closed 4 Jul 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.