The law should be changed to increase the penalty for people who steal pets.

That's according to Independent Galway East TD Sean Canney, who says there should be a clear distinction between robbing an object and taking a companion pet.

The matter will be raised in the Dáil on Wednesday, as TDs try to deter criminal gangs from stealing and re-selling pets.

The Regional Group of TDs wants Government to use a new bill currently before the Oireachtas as a legal mechanism to have the law changed quickly, to deter this criminal activity.

Deputy Sean Canney told Midwest News that the practice has been on the rise during the pandemic.