SOMERSET MP Rebecca Pow (Con, Taunton Deane) has name-checked her pets in the House of Commons.

During a debate on making cat and dog theft a criminal offence, Ms Pow said Mr Raffa and Mr Tipps had “taken on an even more important role in my life”.

Speaking in support of the Pet Abduction Bill, Ms Pow drew audible ‘aaaahhhs’ from fellow MPs when she spoke of the importance of her cats in her life.

“I just wanted to say, we’ve had so many references to what pets mean to us but since my husband died and since my three children left home, my cats have taken on an even more important role in my life,” she said.

“They are there to welcome me when I get home and I we all have stories like that.

“Those are the things we can share and that’s why our pets are so important to us, and why this bill is so important.”

The bill was brought forward by MP Anna Firth (Con, Southend West) and passed its first Commons vote on Friday (January 19) unopposed and could see anyone convicted of stealing a pet facing a five-year prison sentence or a fine.

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