Pets aren't property, they are family. The hurt and suffering caused by pet theft is immeasurable.

But, in the eyes of the law, pets are no more than trinkets. Property that carries no more value than a piece of furniture.

If pet thieves are caught what do they get? A slap on the wrist?

As a pet owner I know that's not right. Pets are a loved, and loving, part of the family.

Surely the people caught tearing these families apart should face severe punishment?

Making pet theft a specific crime would enable harsher sentences to be passed against criminals who choose to commit these crimes.

Sentences that reflect the pain pet theft inflicts and deter these organised crime gangs from continuing their wave of terror.

Unfortunately, despite promises to the contrary, on the 5th of July 2021 the UK government voted against making pet theft a specific crime.

Rather than protection, our families have been passed off with broken promises of action and vague mentions of future reviews.

This petition calls on Alexander Stafford to introduce a private members bill to parliament proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to make the theft of pets an offence.

Until strong action is taken criminals will keep profiting from our government's refusal to do what is needed.

We demand an immediate response.