A NEW law has recognised pet theft as a specific crime for the first time. 

The Pet Abduction Act, which came into force on Saturday, August 24, was one of the last pieces of legislation passed before the general election in July. 

National charity Cats Protection has hailed the change, saying pets will no longer be an “easy target for criminal profiteers”. 

Annabel Berdy, its Senior Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, said: “We hope this new law will deter criminals and give owners confidence that their pets are protected.  

“Under the new law, police must now record pet theft as a specific crime. Up until now, stolen animals have simply been recorded as theft of property, in the same category as a mobile phone or a bike. 

“By recording it as a specific crime, we will now be able to identify the animals and breeds most at risk, and the areas where pets are being targeted.  

“We know pets are being stolen – either for onward sale or to be forced into life as breeding machines to produce offspring for sale.  

“It must be utterly terrifying for a pet which has known nothing but love and care in a family home to be snatched by criminals who have no interest in their welfare. 

“The underground trade in stolen pets has been allowed to flourish for too long, and finally this new law will help us begin to stamp it out once and for all.” 

The Pet Abduction Bill was introduced as a private members’ bill by former MP Anna Firth.