Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope has sparked debate by seeking changes to a proposed law that would criminalize the abduction of pets, focusing particularly on cats, in England and Northern Ireland.
The Pet Abduction Bill, introduced by Conservative MP Anna Firth, aims to address the growing concern over the theft of pets by making it a specific criminal offense to steal cats and dogs. Under the proposed legislation, individuals convicted of pet abduction could face fines or up to five years in prison.
However, Sir Christopher Chope has proposed amendments to the bill, suggesting that it should initially only cover dogs until regulations mandating the microchipping of cats come into effect in England in June. Microchipping is a process whereby a tiny electronic device, containing a unique identification number linked to the owner’s details, is implanted under the animal’s skin. While microchipping for dogs has been mandatory in England, Scotland, and Wales since 2016, it is not a legal requirement for cats in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.
Sir Christopher argues that the legislation should align with the introduction of mandatory microchipping for cats, as he believes this would better incentivize responsible pet ownership and facilitate the pursuit of perpetrators under the new offense. He suggests that cats could be included in the legislation once the effectiveness of microchipping is established.
The proposed amendments have sparked controversy, with supporters of the bill expressing concern that delaying the inclusion of cats in the legislation could hinder efforts to combat pet theft. Advocates for the bill argue that the unlawful taking of pets, including both cats and dogs, is a serious crime that should be addressed promptly.
The Pet Abduction Bill has garnered support from various animal welfare groups and received backing from the government. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of pet theft accountable and expressed hope that the legislation would progress swiftly through Parliament.
The debate surrounding the amendments is set to take place on April 19, with implications for the bill’s progression through the legislative process. While Sir Christopher’s proposed changes may introduce delays, supporters of the bill remain optimistic about its eventual passage into law.
Sir Christopher Chope’s intervention in Private Members’ Bills is not unprecedented, as he has previously utilized parliamentary procedures to stall or block legislation. However, the outcome of the debate on the Pet Abduction Bill amendments remains uncertain, as MPs and stakeholders continue to weigh the implications of the proposed changes.
