DOG theft has been raised with the Department of Justice by Deputy Cathal Crowe, who has sought clarity on plans to tighten existing legislation. The Fianna Fáil member asked Junior Minister James Browne to make a statement and was told that changes to the legislation may be considered. Responding to Deputy Crowe’s question, Minister Browne described dog theft as “an incredibly cruel crime which causes huge trauma for pet owners”. “I fully appreciate the strong emotional attachment we all have to our pets and that theft not only leads to their loss in our lives, but also a high level of concern for their welfare,” he said. “It is also a crime which often affects, and is indeed often targeted against, older and particularly vulnerable people, for whom their pet is of huge emotional importance.” Minister Browne noted that, in sentencing, judges look not only at the monetary value of the pet but also the emotional distress caused to the …
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