Lisa O'Connor wants to see those who steal pets face tougher sentences.
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for an update to the laws around the theft of pets.
The theft of a pet is covered by stolen property legislation in Ireland, while the Pet Abduction Act in Northern Ireland and England gives specific recognition for the crime.
Lisa O'Connor is the woman behind the petition which has over 10 thousand signatures, and she is also the founder of the 'Missing/Stolen Animals Ireland' group.
She says the current legal framework has no regard for the emotional trauma caused by the theft of a family pet.
However, Westmeath Senator for Fianna Fail Joe Flaherty believes the current legislation is sufficient:
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