Cat owners have expressed their anger at a change in the law currently going through Parliament that will only protect dogs. The Kept Animals Bill could see people who steal dogs jailed for five years.
But those who take cats will face much lighter punishment as they will only be covered by current laws - which categorise dogs and cats as property similar to a TV or games console. While 70% of stolen pets are dogs, the remaining 30% – such as cats and other companion animals – are not included in legislation, reports The Mirror.
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.”
