Modernise UK Law: Recognise Pets as Living Beings, Not Property

Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action. We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do. There is already legislation that does not consider animals purely as property, such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, and the Pet Abduction Act 2024. The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 legally recognised vertebrates as sentient beings. You can read about existing offences involving domestic and captive animals here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/prosecution-guidance/offences-involving-domestic-and-captive-animals For your petition to be accepted, we would need to know more details about what you are proposing, including what existing laws you want to see changed or introduced, as well as how you would like to see companion animals classified in relation to them. You may wish to frame this around a review of the status of animals in law if you submit a new petition setting out clearly what action you want the Government or Parliament to take. You may also wish to sign the following petition, which deals with a similar issue: Review and reform legal status of pets, and rules on animal control equipment https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750741