UK Parliament home

This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

View other petitions from this Parliament

Closed Make cat theft a specific illegal offence.

Closed on

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.

68 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Related activity

    Pet abduction bill agreed by MPs

    The Pet Abduction Bill was approved by MPs in the House of Commons on Friday 19 April. It will now go to the House of Lords who also have to agree to it before it becomes law.

    What will the bill do?

    The Bill would make dog and cat theft a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland. People found guilty of the offence could be given up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

    You can read more about what the Bill would do in this House of Commons Library Research Briefing.

    What happens next?

    Having passed the House of Commons it will now go to the House of Lords. If the House of Lords make any changes to it, it will go back to the House of Commons who will decide if they agree with the changes.

    When both Houses agree the final text of the Bill, it will go to the King to receive Royal Assent. This means it becomes a law and is called an 'Act'.

    Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament

    Sign up to the UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.

  • Petition closed

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 4 July 2021.