To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to tackle pet theft.

I understand how important dogs and other pets are to their owners and the emotional distress that can result from losing a pet to theft.

The theft of a pet is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland under the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969. The offence attracts a significant maximum penalty of up to ten years imprisonment which is higher than that available in other jurisdictions of the UK. In determining the sentence to be imposed, the courts take account of the individual circumstances of the offence including its impact on the victim.

I am satisfied that the existing law is sufficiently robust to deal with pet theft. Any change to the law relating to the theft of a pet would, in any event, be a matter for the Department of Justice and enforcement action is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). My Department does, however, continue to work with the PSNI and other key partners on issues associated with pet theft.

Departmental legislation also requires puppies to be microchipped within eight weeks of birth. This can act as a deterrent to the theft of these animals and can facilitate the return of any stolen animals to their rightful owners. The Department encourages dog owners to ensure that the microchipping database is kept up to date.