A Roscommon TD says he hopes progress can be made today on increasing criminal penalties for the theft of companion pets.
Denis Naughten is a member of the Regional Group of TD's who are putting forward a motion in the Dail today on foot of a new Bill about theft and fraud.
The motion comes after a rise in dog thefts since the lockdown began back in March.
244 dogs were reported stolen last year marking an increase of 16% on the previous year.
Deputy Naughten says the theft of dogs and other pets is currently treated in the same manner as the theft of property like mobile phones or other equipment.
He says he and other TD's want to send a clear message that pets are far more than property and this could be achieved by amending parts of the new legislation ...
