In a significant move to protect animal welfare, the Pet Abduction Act 2024 has come into effect today (August 24) across Northern Ireland and England.
This pioneering legislation, championed by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA, specifically criminalises the abduction of cats and dogs, recognising them as sentient beings rather than mere property.
The intention of the new offences is that it will allow courts to place greater focus on the impact on the welfare of the animal as well as the interests of the owner when deciding penalties rather than the financial loss, which for some animals may not be significant.
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir MLA, welcomed the introduction of new legislation, saying:
“I appreciate how important dogs and cats are to their owners in Northern Ireland. As part of families, they provide companionship and joy and also support and comfort through difficult times. That is why it is so distressing for owners when one of their beloved pets is abducted or detained, in what is a very cruel crime. I therefore welcome the introduction of bespoke criminal offences for pet abduction in Northern Ireland.”
The maximum penalty on conviction for cat or dog abduction is up to five years in prison, or a fine or both. As the new offences are centred on the impact on the animal, this maximum penalty aligns with other serious animal welfare offences under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011.
Minister Muir added:
“The new legislation is intended to deal with the unscrupulous people who abduct a dog or cat. It does not intend to criminalise genuinely kind behaviour to cats and dogs that people do not own. Therefore, there are a number of safeguards and exemptions set out in the Act to ensure that innocent behaviour is outside of the scope of the offences.”
In May this year, Mr Muir revealed that a Freedom of Information request showed the PSNI recorded an average of 35 dog thefts each year.
The USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has warmly received the legislation. USPCA CEO Nora Smith said:
“As a nation of pet-lovers, this new law recognises the emotional impact the theft of a pet can have and brings the perpetrators to justice in a way that reflects the gravity of the crime.
“Pets are not merely items in our lives, they are our family members, they are our best friends. The abduction of a pet is distressing and causes emotional harm not only to the owner but to the pet as well. As such, the crime of abducting a pet is being treated more seriously and comes with harsher consequences.
"Animal welfare is increasingly a key concern amongst the public, who look to Government to take the lead to improve standards.
“The legislation is a welcome step forward in advancing animal welfare, and we welcome the fact that anyone found guilty will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.”
Key Points of the Legislation:
- Offense Definition: The Act defines the abduction of cats and dogs as a criminal offence, focusing on the welfare of the animal rather than merely the financial loss to the owner.
- Penalties: Offenders face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both, aligning the severity of punishment with other serious animal welfare offenses under the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 2011.
- Scope and Exemptions: While the Act targets malicious abductions, it includes safeguards to ensure that well-intentioned actions towards stray or lost pets are not criminalised. This includes provisions for a "reasonable excuse" defence.
- Expansion Potential: The legislation provides DAERA with the authority to extend these protections to other pets if there is a demonstrated need based on significant abduction cases.
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