CLACTON MP Giles Watling has spoken in favour of pet theft being made a specific crime in its own right.

Campaigners are calling for a review of guidelines for theft offences, so that when a family pet is involved, its financial value is irrelevant when criminals are sentenced.

They have also called for police forces to be given guidance and training to record and investigate cases.

Mr Watling spoke in the debate at Westminster on behalf of the 168 people from Clacton who signed an e-petition on the issue.

He said: “The theft of pets, and especially dogs, happens all too frequently in my constituency.

“In one case, two French bulldog puppies – Oswald and Dakota – were stolen from their house in Eton Road in Clacton.

“The puppies were eventually reunited with their owner, which is a rare good news story, but that was only after a Facebook campaign that got 2,500 visits, and I reckon the puppies must have become too hot to handle.

“However, when they were returned, they were distressed. According to the owner, they were clearly starving and not in good condition.”

He added: “I have dogs myself. I have cavalier poodle bichon crosses – they are part of my family and the thought of losing one of them really distresses me, which is why I want to combat pet theft.

"It is cruel to the owners who are left bereft after the loss of a friend, a loved one and a member of the family, and it is cruel to the animal itself.

“The animal can be mistreated or even, as we have heard – it is horrific—have its microchip cut out of its neck without anaesthetic to avoid detection.”

Mr Watling said the Government’s current position needs to evolve and take account of the “strong public sentiment” and the cruel impact that pet theft has on those involved.

He said that while pet theft is already a criminal offence the penalty is often decided based on the monetary value of the pet.

He added: “Many pets have little or no monetary value, although in the eyes of their owner, as we have said, they are priceless

“However, in the eyes of the court, that value does not exist. The courts deal only in monetary terms, and the most severe sentence recommended for stealing a pet that is worth less than £500 is two years rather than seven.

“In the past three years dog theft has increased by 24 per cent, which demonstrates he sentencing guidelines are clearly not working and not a deterrent to potential pet thieves.”

To sign the petition, click here.

READ MORE: DESIGNER DOGS FUEL RISE IN PET THEFT