Pets are much more than property, they are very much part of a family in homes across our country: sometimes the only friend to someone who is isolated; the guide for someone who is blind or has other sensory issues.

This needs to be clearly reflected in much stronger legislation especially with increased opportunity for criminals on the run into Christmas.

So far this year there has been a 33% increase in reports to the Gardaí of the theft of pets.

We want the law changed to act as a real deterrent against this growing crime and to ensure that significant penalties are put in place for people who steal pets, attempt to re-sell pets or who exploit a vulnerable owner who offers a reward for the return of their pet.