Dog theft could soon carry tougher sentences in Ireland as the Dáil is to consider passing a motion that would allow for harsher penalties to be imposed.
RTÉ reports that the Regional Group of TDs is calling on government to act quickly on the matter and introduce harsher penalties for dog theft. It comes after figures obtained from An Garda Síochána state that 244 dogs were reported stolen last year - a 16 per cent increase on the figures reported in 2019.
Currently covered as stolen property in the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, Independent TD Denis Naughten has said that sentences don't account for the "emotional distress" that the theft of a family pet can have - calling for more "much stronger legislation" to be introduced.
As it stands, there is a maximum sentence of 10 years for the offences of theft and handling of stolen property, while the offence of possession of stolen property carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
Commenting further on the matter, TD Naughten said:
"We all know that 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, and this needs to be clearly reflected in much stronger legislation."
The motion is due to be brought before the Dáil this week.
