Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to support the amendment put forward by my colleague, Deputy Denis Naughten, on behalf of the Regional Group and say that people have come a long way in their understanding and appreciation of animals. The role that animals can play in our lives is vastly different to what it was decades ago. This is particularly true in the case of companion animals.

The business of veterinary care, pet supplies and animal nutrition is a multibillion euro industry. The vast majority of Irish people take care of their pets and they cherish the as part of their families. Ironically, it was this appreciation and the increased desire to have a companion pet that led to an alarming spate of dog thefts. It had long been an issue of concern but it exploded in the spring of last year. Demand for dogs, especially puppies, soared as the pandemic led to people being confined to home. The prices being paid for dogs also soared. This was instantly identified by both criminals and opportunists. Headlines screamed that drugs, guns and dogs were the key priorities for criminals. At European level, dogs became the third most trafficked entities. Some reports indicated that there was a 63% increase in the number of dogs stolen last year, while others stated that not all cases were reported and that the figures could be higher.

The figures are concerning but even more concerning are the stories of mental anguish and suffering that countless families endured when they realised that their furry family member was gone without a trace. Broken-hearted families and pet owners took to every available channel to plead for the return of their pets. Gut-wrenching stories flooded the media about elderly dogs that required regular medical care disappearing, nursing dogs and their puppies vanishing, multiple dogs from the same family all gone and support animals being taken from people who depended on them.

Stories and rumours on the possible fate of these dogs added to the distress. Dogs that were not fit for breeding were said to be sold as bait for dogs for fighting rings or abandoned to fend for themselves. Younger and more intact females were deemed to be destined for puppy farms. Puppies and purebred dogs were sold for grossly inflated prices. Dogs had their fur dyed and were advertised as perfect family companions. Microchips were barbarically cut out of dog's bodies so that they could not be scanned and traced. The common trend seemed to be that stolen dogs were largely exported as quickly as possible in the boots of cars or in the backs of vans to the UK and much further afield.

Heartbroken owners were left inconsolable and helpless, terrified of what might be happening to their pets and despairing at the thought that they might never see their beloved dogs again. Many were prepared to go to any lengths to get their precious animals back. This too was exploited. Demands for ransom were sent to desperate owners. The majority of these were false, with heartless individuals reading about missing pets and seeing their chance to get their hands on some cash.

Money was handed over with the promise of the return of the missing pet. Neither the pet nor the money was ever seen again.

As a country, we continue to deem these treasured family members as property, as something akin to a lawnmower or computer. We are not alone in this. Only a handful of countries have moved to change the definition of animals. They have chosen to view them as more than just objects. Switzerland, Germany and Austria were the leaders in amending their laws. They have declared that animals are not merely property and should not be subject to laws relating to property.

It is important that people understand that amending the law in this way does not change the legal status of animals. Neither is it related to animal welfare laws. These are entirely different areas and ready for a different discussion.

The purpose of this amendment is to send out a clear and loud message to those who steal pets from their families that a fine or a rap on the knuckles will not be their fate, that the punishment will go some way closer to fitting the crime and that we recognise that stealing a companion animal is not an insignificant offence. Unless a real deterrent is put in place to prevent or at the very least discourage criminals and opportunists from stealing companion animals, this activity will continue to escalate. If the penalty for stealing a living sentient animal remains the same as that for stealing an inanimate object then families the length and breadth of Ireland will continue to live in fear. We have a moral duty to prevent that from happening and we can do that by inserting this amendment in the legislation as proposed by Deputy Denis Naughten.

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