AN MP has called for jail terms for people who steal people’s pets following surge of cases during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West spoke in a debate on pet theft in Westminster Hall. Sir David called for the Theft Act 1968 to be amended in order to make pet theft a specific offence with custodial sentences and for microchipping of pets to be compulsory.

Animal welfare supporter Sir David, said having a pet stolen is completely different to having an inanimate object stolen. Speaking in the Commons, he said: “I cannot imagine being without my animal at this time.

“I very much agree that animals are sentient beings; science has proved that they can experience pain, suffering, joy and comfort, but by equating them to property we are denying them the right to be considered sentient beings.

"The Theft Act 1968 does just that, and I say to the Minister that it is old legislation.

“Pet theft was a problem before coronavirus.

“It has escalated during the lockdown period, and it may continue to do so unless the Government take harsher action against the criminals colleagues have been talking about today.”