Stephen Crabb, Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire, has welcomed proposals for longer prison sentences for dognappers. The new proposals would see criminals convicted of stealing pets given up to seven years prison sentence. The new offence of pet abduction acknowledges that animals are more than just property and will give police an additional tool to bring these individuals to justice.
Until now, pets have been treated like any other personal property taken by thieves, with few dognappers prosecuted and most avoiding jail. However, there has been a spike in dog thefts over the past two years, and these new laws would see greater punishments given out.
Commenting on the proposals, Mr Crabb said:
“I am delighted with the new proposals for longer sentences for dognappers. As a dog owner myself, I know that they are far more than just pets. Heidi is very much one of the family, and I would be absolutely devastated if she were stolen. I am pleased that criminals involved in the theft of pets are appropriately punished for their actions.”