Open University research drives new Pet Abduction law

A landmark piece of legislation has come into force, recognising pet theft as a specific crime for the first time. The Pet Abduction Act 2024 aims to address the emotional distress experienced by stolen pets and their owners.

The new law was informed by research conducted by Dr Helen Selby-Fell, Senior Lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice in The Open University Business School, and Dr Daniel Allen from Keele University.

Their research, conducted in 2020-21, explored the impact of dog theft on victims during the Covid-19 lockdowns, and the extent and nature of the problem.

The research findings were instrumental in shaping the recommendations of the Pet Theft Taskforce, established by the Government in April 2021. Dr Selby-Fell and Dr Allen attended meetings with the Home Office, DEFRA and the Ministry of Justice to discuss their research and were invited to present evidence to the Taskforce.

The Taskforce’s policy paper, later published in September 2021, stressed the need for a new pet abduction offense.

The Pet Abduction Bill was finally introduced as a Private Members Bill earlier this year and was one of the final pieces of legislation passed before the General Election in July.

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

By recording it as a specific crime, the animals and breeds most at risk can be identified, as well as the areas where pets are being targeted, which aims to help stamp out the trade in stolen pets.

The Pet Abduction Act 2024 acknowledges the pain and distress experienced by stolen pets and their owners and anyone found guilty of stealing a pet in England or Northern Ireland faces up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

Dr Selby-Fell and Dr Allen’s research has played a pivotal role in bringing about this important legislative change, which will offer greater protection to pets and their families.

Our research demonstrated that people who have had their dogs stolen experience significant negative emotional reactions, reflecting what many victims report as a traumatic experience. Our work also provided a clearer insight into the extent of the problem in England & Wales which is necessary for police forces to take an evidence-based approach to tackling this type of criminality.

It is great to see the new law finally in place and we are really pleased that our work has had such impact.”

Dr Helen Selby-Fell