Introduce a National Pet Exchange Register

Introduction of a Pet Exchange Register so that any person or business who is advertising to sell or give away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten will need to be enrolled on the Pet Exchange Register. Make it an offence to advertise a dog or cat for sale or to give away without due registration.

At least 5 dogs are stolen every day in England & Wales. These crimes are morally depraved and completely devastating.

Microchipping alone does not protect our pets from theft and resale. Current sentencing guidelines don't deter.

Criminals don't care.

The UK government *must* do more to protect pets and their guardians.

Please, see a similar system in place in Victoria, Australia: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/puppy-farm-legislation/pet-exchange-register

Sign, please.

The Government is sympathetic to the emotional trauma which the theft of a much-loved pet can cause. All reported crimes should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts and met with tough sentences. The theft of a pet is a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968 and the maximum penalty is seven years’ imprisonment.

If someone causes an animal to suffer in the course of stealing it, they are also liable to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The existing maximum custodial penalty for causing animal cruelty is six months’ imprisonment. Legislation is currently before Parliament – the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill – which when passed will increase the maximum penalty to five years’ imprisonment. This will be the highest penalty for animal cruelty in Europe. The Government is supporting this Bill as it makes its way through Parliament.

The Government takes the issue of pet theft very seriously and is concerned by suggestions that occurrences are on the rise. As the Farming, Fisheries and Food Minister, Victoria Prentis MP said in October 2020, on behalf of the Government at a Westminster Hall debate on pet theft, we continue to keep the situation under review and are keen to explore ways to address the issue that will be effective and have a meaningful impact. We will also work with interested parties, including animal welfare organisations to help owners keep their pets safe. We take note of the proposal to establish a national pet exchange register.

The Government has already taken significant steps to tackle illegal and low-welfare supply of pets. Since October 2018 it has been a requirement under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 for anyone who is in the business of selling animals as pets, or who breeds dogs and advertises a business of selling them, to need a valid licence from their local authority. Licencees must meet strict statutory minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers to issue, refuse or revoke licences. Any licensee advertising animals for sale will need to include their licence number in the advert and specify the local authority who issued the licence. Additional requirements placed on advertisements include a need for all adverts to display the age of the animal along with a recognisable photograph. These requirements are designed to improve transparency of sale.