Cat lovers are furious new pet theft laws going through Parliament only apply to dogs.
The Kept Animals Bill proposes five years’ jail for dog thieves after the existing penalties were not deemed to be harsh enough.
But while 70% of stolen pets are dogs, the remaining 30% – such as cats and other companion animals – are not included in legislation.
Stefan Blakiston Moore, of the charity Cats Protection, said: “Cat owners are devastated if their pets are stolen because they are as much part of the family as dogs.
“The emotional impact of a cat being stolen is no different to a dog being taken. We hope the Government changes its mind to include cats.”
While dogs are still the favourite target for pet thieves, pedigree cats can fetch around £1,000.
Last year, 550 pet moggies were stolen – a four-fold increase over the last five years.
From 2023, all cats over 20 weeks old will need to be microchipped, like dogs. Labour MP Daniel Zeichner said the new Bill – which would make pet abduction an
offence – had been proposed to tackle the rising number of dog thefts.
He added: “It may reasonably be asked why it does not apply to cats. The charge of cattism will be levelled.”
And Farms Minister Mark Spencer said: “As currently drafted, the offence focuses on dogs. The Government is considering whether cats should be included at the outset.”
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said the law could be “extended to other pets in future”.
