I have had a number of constituents contact me in regard to cat theft.

I recognise that the theft of a much-loved pet can have a huge impact on both pets and families. In 2021, the Government set up the Pet Theft Taskforce to investigate concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft. This taskforce gathered, researched and commissioned work to build a clear evidence base of the issue and worked with police, law enforcement, and experts to formulate recommendations. Since publication of the report, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice have been working on implementing the taskforce’s recommendations.

The Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitments on animal welfare. The Kept Animals Bill, introduced in June 2021, faced the risk of scope-creep. The Government will be taking forward the measures originally in the Kept Animals Bill individually when parliamentary time allows. Ministers believe this to be the quickest and most effective way of achieving the Government's aims for animal welfare and would be supportive of legislation on pet abduction when parliamentary time allows.

I am aware that my ministerial colleagues have listened carefully to views expressed on pet abduction and recognise that campaigners have called for this. These views will be taken into consideration. 

More widely, the Government has legislated to make microchipping cats compulsory. The new rules mean that cats must be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks of age. This will make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.