Pet abduction law
Discussion
The new pet abduction law seems to be a kneejerk reaction to the supposed increase in pet abductions during lockdown. I say supposed because it's 'reported' abductions, and I don't know if they are where a perpetrator has been seen abducting a pet, or a dog has gone missing and is assumed to have been abducted rather than run over.
I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
A pet is a living thing, I don't think you can compare that to any type of physical object. The issue was that an offender could not be sentenced anymore for stealing a dog than for stealing a laptop so a change in law is required to cover that.
The major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
The major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
EU_Foreigner said:
A pet is a living thing, I don't think you can compare that to any type of physical object. The issue was that an offender could not be sentenced anymore for stealing a dog than for stealing a laptop so a change in law is required to cover that.
The major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
Current laws are more than adequate - its a change in sentencing guidelines thats neededThe major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
EU_Foreigner said:
A pet is a living thing, I don't think you can compare that to any type of physical object. The issue was that an offender could not be sentenced anymore for stealing a dog than for stealing a laptop so a change in law is required to cover that.
The major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
I agree a laptop is a material object that can be replaced. But some things are above mere objects, as I say, medals and other trophies, photos of dead partners, special objects acquired over a lifetime. They should be afforded the same consideration.The major issue is of course that a large amount of these stolen dogs end up in traveller sites. Even though they are regularly recovered from there in large numbers, sentencing does not really work for them.
I don't think anyone who has genuine empathy for animals would agree that any other material thing is more important. I don't own anything I care about more than the dog. I very much doubt I'm alone in that, and I think the law should be as brutal as possible towards those who steal or mistreat an animal.
speedking31 said:
The new pet abduction law seems to be a kneejerk reaction to the supposed increase in pet abductions during lockdown. I say supposed because it's 'reported' abductions, and I don't know if they are where a perpetrator has been seen abducting a pet, or a dog has gone missing and is assumed to have been abducted rather than run over.
I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
I think you may have been living in a hole recently. I don't know of anyone that would immeadiately assume a beloved pet has been run over if it were to vanish without cause...I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
Also, in a lot of cases the dog is snatched from the owner directly - often with threats of violence or actual violence.
Generally the stolen animals are used in puppy farms, a miserable existence, before being dumped. (Young stolen puppies may be sold on directly)
This specifc MO needs tackling, if a dedicated offence is useful to achieve that then I am fully supportive.
Heaveho said:
I don't think anyone who has genuine empathy for animals would agree that any other material thing is more important. I don't own anything I care about more than the dog. I very much doubt I'm alone in that, and I think the law should be as brutal as possible towards those who steal or mistreat an animal.
Agreed, although in my case it's a cat not a dog. You build a relationship with pets and anyone with any degree of empathy will know its different from material objects, no matter how sentimental they may be.This new law was explained on Radio 4 this morning. Problem with old law was it is inconsistent. For example, if dog taken from your garden it was burglary but if taken in the street outside your house then theft. The new law clears up this distinction and gives clarification for crime reporting.
BlueJazz said:
This new law was explained on Radio 4 this morning. Problem with old law was it is inconsistent. For example, if dog taken from your garden it was burglary but if taken in the street outside your house then theft. The new law clears up this distinction and gives clarification for crime reporting.
Will it mean Police take any more action - doubt it. It doesnt matter what crime category its recorded under - that shouldnt affect the level of investigation.Edited by Bigends on Friday 3rd September 12:29
BrettMRC said:
speedking31 said:
The new pet abduction law seems to be a kneejerk reaction to the supposed increase in pet abductions during lockdown. I say supposed because it's 'reported' abductions, and I don't know if they are where a perpetrator has been seen abducting a pet, or a dog has gone missing and is assumed to have been abducted rather than run over.
I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
I think you may have been living in a hole recently. I don't know of anyone that would immeadiately assume a beloved pet has been run over if it were to vanish without cause...I realise that pets are like a member of the family for some and provide solace to OAP's living alone etc. But the theft of medals, photographic collections, vital work equipment, heirlooms of sentimental value, can also cause considerable grief and heartache.
It seems to me that the law is already adequate in this area and I don't understand why pets are elevated above these other examples.
Similar to the mobile phone laws imo, do we need another specific law?
Also, in a lot of cases the dog is snatched from the owner directly - often with threats of violence or actual violence.
Generally the stolen animals are used in puppy farms, a miserable existence, before being dumped. (Young stolen puppies may be sold on directly)
This specifc MO needs tackling, if a dedicated offence is useful to achieve that then I am fully supportive.
BlueJazz said:
This new law was explained on Radio 4 this morning. Problem with old law was it is inconsistent. For example, if dog taken from your garden it was burglary but if taken in the street outside your house then theft. The new law clears up this distinction and gives clarification for crime reporting.
That's not correct, if something is stolen from a garden it is not a burglary. Greendubber said:
BlueJazz said:
This new law was explained on Radio 4 this morning. Problem with old law was it is inconsistent. For example, if dog taken from your garden it was burglary but if taken in the street outside your house then theft. The new law clears up this distinction and gives clarification for crime reporting.
That's not correct, if something is stolen from a garden it is not a burglary. Bigends said:
Greendubber said:
BlueJazz said:
This new law was explained on Radio 4 this morning. Problem with old law was it is inconsistent. For example, if dog taken from your garden it was burglary but if taken in the street outside your house then theft. The new law clears up this distinction and gives clarification for crime reporting.
That's not correct, if something is stolen from a garden it is not a burglary. Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff