Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The theft of a pet is currently treated the same as a stolen bicycle, campaigners say

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for tougher penalties for pet theft.

The petition was started by the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance and will now be considered for debate in parliament.

Dr Daniel Allen, from the group, said it was a growing problem, made worse as the crime was classed no differently to having your bicycle stolen.

He said a recent case in Lincolnshire where the culprits received suspended sentences highlighted the problem.

Image caption Dr Daniel Allen said pets should be recognised as sentient beings

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Mr Allen said pet theft needed to be classed as a specific crime.

"We want an amendment to the theft act so pets are recognised as sentient beings," he said.

"What happens at the moment is any pets that are stolen are just regarded the same as any inanimate object - so it's just like stealing a bicycle or a car."

'Emotional distress'

In a written response to the e-petition, the government said: "We understand the distress caused by the theft of a much loved family pet and laws are in place to deal firmly with offenders who commit such crimes."

It said the maximum penalty is seven years imprisonment, and "current sentencing guidelines take account of the emotional distress, and therefore harm, that theft of personal items such as a pet can have on the victim".

Image copyright Police issue Image caption Fifteen dogs, including a pregnant bitch, were stolen from a breeder in Lincolnshire

Mr Allen said a recent case in Lincolnshire where those convicted received suspended sentences showed the current system was not working.

"Sentencing in this case was particularly poor," he said.

"It is supposed to take into account the family's emotion and distress."

Earlier this year, Lincolnshire was dubbed the "dog theft capital of Britain" after research by the Insurance Emporium found the number of dog thefts in the county to be the highest in the UK.