Kidnapping Pets Will Be Criminal Work in England

Kidnapping domestic animals will become a criminal offense in England, following an increase in reported thefts during COVID-19 jams.

Stealing a pet is currently treated as the loss of the owner's property, but the ministers want a new law to recognize the emotional distress it may cause.

It was discovered that about 2,000 dogs were reported stolen during the past year.

The working group, consisting of government officials, policemen, prosecutors and local English authorities, received testimony from animal welfare groups, activists, academics and other experts.

This report found that seven in 10 police registered animal thefts included dogs, writes the BBC, broadcast Clankosova.tv.

Although criminal acts according to the 1968 Robbery Act hold a seven-year deadline, the ministers say this sentence can be used even now.

There is no known maximum punishment for a new job of kidnapping pets.

Officials hope the proposals will make it harder for thieves to kidnap and sell domestic animals and make it easier for police to apprehend perpetrators.