Rejected petition Change status of dogs so they are not property in legal terms

Reflect on the contribution dogs make to society from service dogs, to guide dogs, police dogs, rescue dogs, support dogs and dogs trained to detect disease. Change the law so dogs are given status that reflects their contribution to humans and not classified as property.

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Dogs offer so much to society and make a huge contribution to humans, in many, many cases saving lives, and making life bearable
for humans with chronic conditions. Currently they are deemed property and as such are not offered adequate protection in law from being stolen (kidnapped), physically harmed or mentally abused / mistreated, born or sold into slavery for commercial gain and unregulated healthcare industry capitalising on people’s attachment to them.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s not clear what the petition is asking the UK Government or Parliament to do.

There is already a law on pet theft: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pet-abduction-bill-becomes-law

You may wish to sign the following petition which calls for a related action:

Review and reform legal status of pets, and rules on animal control equipment
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750741

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 23 January 2026
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