Pets (Theft) Bill

A Bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to make the theft of pets an offence; to apply certain post-conviction powers under those Acts to such an offence; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

19 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Pets (Theft) Bill would make stealing a pet a criminal offence by amending the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (for England and Wales) and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. It would apply certain post-conviction powers under those Acts to pet theft offences, giving authorities similar tools to other animal-welfare offences. The goal is to strengthen protection for pets and ensure consistent enforcement across the UK.

Key Points

Makes theft of a pet an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Applies post-conviction powers under those Acts to pet theft offences.
Covers England, Wales and Scotland through the respective Acts.
The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons, where it originated.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it will move to committee for detailed scrutiny and then proceed to the other stages in both Houses.

Who is affected?

Pet owners and guardiansPeople who keep or care for petsPet rescue charities and animal welfare organisationsPolice, prosecutors and courtsVeterinary professionals and animal-related businesses

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Pets (Theft)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 245 2017-19 (as introduced)

BillCommons

21 Nov 2018

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Pets (Theft) Bill | TrackPolitics