There has been a 33% increase in the reports of thefts of pets to An Garda Síochána this year. Under the current law, pets are considered property and they are treated in the same way as someone stealing a mobile phone. We all know that pets are much more than property. They are very much part of the family in homes throughout this country. They are sometimes the only friend for someone who is isolated and a guide for someone who is blind or has sensory issues. This needs to be clearly reflected in much stronger legislation, especially with the increased demand in the run-in to this Christmas, in particular. The Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences)(Amendment) Bill is going through the Seanad at the moment, and I ask the Government to table an instruction to committee motion under Standing Order 187 to allow the laws of this country to act as a real deterrent against this growing crime and make it clear that we will act to ensure significant penalties are put in place for people who attempt to resell pets or to exploit a vulnerable owner who offers a reward for the return of their pet.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which I have read about in the past couple of weeks. It is appalling to see an increase in this crime of people stealing pets off other people, often older and vulnerable people. I do not have a pet but I know many people who do and I do not think anybody regards their cat or their dog to be property in the way they would a mobile phone or something like that. It is almost like a member of the family being stolen. It is a serious offence and needs to be treated that way. I will speak to the Minister for Justice about it and see if we can strengthen laws in those areas.