Thank you for contacting me about pet theft, in particular relating to cats.
I would like to assure you that I fully recognise that the theft of a much-loved pet can have a huge impact on both pets and families. In 2021, the Government set up the Pet Theft Taskforce to investigate concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft. This taskforce gathered, researched and commissioned work to build a clear evidence base of the issue and worked with police, law enforcement, and experts to formulate recommendations. Since publication of the report, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have been working on implementing the taskforce’s recommendations.
I am assured that the Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitments on animal welfare. I am aware that the Kept Animals Bill, introduced in June 2021, faced the risk of scope-creep. In light of this, and the successful progress made so far with single-issue legislation, the Government will be taking forward the measures originally in the Kept Animals Bill individually when parliamentary time allows. Ministers believe this to be the quickest and most effective way of achieving the Government's aims for animal welfare, and would be supportive of legislation on pet abduction when parliamentary time allows.
Regarding your suggestion for cats to be included in the offence of pet abduction, I am aware that my ministerial colleagues have listened carefully to views expressed on pet abduction, and recognise that campaigners have called for this. I am assured that these views will be taken into consideration.
More widely, the Government has legislated to make microchipping cats compulsory. The new rules mean that cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. This will make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.