Fianna Fáil Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee has said that more needs to be done to address the number of pet thefts in North Dublin in recent times.
Senator Clifford-Lee has welcomed a proposal by her colleague, Wexford TD James Browne in proposing the creation of a new offence called the theft of a companion animal.
“Many people have had animals stolen from their homes in recent times and this can be extremely traumatic for pet owners and the animals in question. The current law does not reflect the trauma that can be caused to victims of pet theft.
“The penalty for pet theft should be more severe, currently there is no specific code on the Garda PULSE system to record theft of animals. We have seen this issue highlighted in the media in recent weeks with a growing number of family pet dogs and puppies being snatched from owners.
“It has been a growing problem in my own constituency, and I welcome Deputy Browne’s suggestion for a new law because the laws should reflect the fact that companion pets are not considered mere property by their owners but often like family members.
“The Gardaí have been doing an excellent job in trying to return pets to their owners but we need change and to send a strong message to these pet robbers that their behaviour will not be tolerated and will feel the full force of the law if caught,” concluded Senator Clifford-Lee.
