PLANS to make pet abduction a criminal offence under Government plans to crackdown on dognappers have been backed by readers.

Ministers want to change the law so it reflects the severity of crimes carried out by pet thieves by taking into account the emotional distress it can cause the animal and acknowledging they represent far more than just property to their owners.

The proposal is one of a number of recommendations made in a report setting out the findings of work by the Government’s pet theft taskforce, which was set up in response to a rise in such offences during the coronavirus pandemic and amid pressure from MPs across the Commons to impose tougher penalties.

It is hoped the plans will help police crack down on criminals, make it easier for officers to track such incidents and make it harder for thieves to steal and sell pets.

Last year Essex Police urged dog owners to stay alert after a rise in thefts in the county’s rural communities.

Earlier this year an appeal for witnesses to come forward was launched after two pooches, including an eight-week-old puppy, were dognapped from homes in Essex.

In on instance in Tweed Close, Halstead, in March, two men arrived at a home.

One of the men distracted the owner whilst the other left the property with an eight-week old Coton de Tulear puppy along with some paperwork.

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Readers have backed the move to introduce a specific law on dognapping.

Anita Gregory said: “It is an awful crime. Pets can’t be replaced like property – we love them.

"Should be a very severe punishment, almost akin to kidnapping a child.”

Hayley Louise Senior added: “It is already a theft but most sentencing is determined by the cost of the item.

"They are arguing that a dog is part of the family and a separate offence could then carry a longer sentence or at least enable to judge to give it.”

Lorraine Trimby said: “Absolutely necessary, glad to hear it.”

But Mary Adams questioned how police would catch them. She said: “And just how are they going to police this?

"Good idea but catch them if you can.”

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood welcomed plans to acknowledge the “seriousness” of the crime and said: “We hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves.”

Environment Secretary George Eustice said reports of a rise in pet thefts have been “worrying” and owners should not have to “live in fear”, adding that the recommendations would “reassure” them.

Pet theft is not a specific crime and is currently considered as a loss of property to owners under the Theft Act 1968.

The new offence would recognise animal companions as "sentient beings".