Bill containing a 10 Month Imprisonment for Those Who Steal a Family Pet Introduced into the Dáil

Bill containing a 10 Month Imprisonment for Those Who Steal a Family Pet Introduced into the Dáil – Tóibín

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD is set to introduce a Bill which would ensure a minimum of a 10-month prison sentence for anyone convicted of stealing a family pet.

Deputy Tóibín said: "In recent months we've seen reports of the theft and resale of family pets. We have also heard reports of pets being taken for breeding purposes. It has been reported that professional gangs can making big money from this type of theft. It has even been suggested that thieves may leave a mark on the road in chalk or by tying a piece of string to a garden gate to target those houses for theft after dark. While its hard to get a picture of the prevalence of these thefts we in Aontú have been contacted by many devastated individuals in recent times whose pets have been stolen".

"It is for this reason we are introducing the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Amendment Pets Bill 2020. The purpose of this Bill is to provide for a mandatory minimum sentence for theft and certain related offences concerning pets. People value their pets, the sentence and punishments for those who steal family pets should be harsher than the penalty for stealing objects, because to most people their pets are viewed as more than a mere household or farmyard asset, a dog or a cat can be a member of the family and families that lose them are often broken hearted. People who break the law and steal a family pet should face at minimum a 10 month prison sentence, and I would urge other TDs to support this Bill", concluded Deputy Tóibín.

The Bill has been consigned by Galway East Independent TD Seán Canney.

Explanatory Memorandum re Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Pets) Bill 2020

Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Pets) Bill 2020

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.