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:
Laois County Council Seeking New Funding For STEM Officer Role
Longford-Westmeath TD Welcomes New IDA Facility
Retired Postal Workers Stage Nationwide Protests Over Pension Disputes
Laois Rental Homes Issued Improvement Notices Following Inspections
IDA Commits To State-Of-The-Art Midlands Development
Medical Card Holders Cut Off From Dental Care
Plans For New Café Lodged In Westmeath
Two Ryanair Passengers Jailed And Fined €10k for Disruptive Behaviour
Communication And Safety Highlighted At National Older Peoples Convention
Midlands MEP Backs National Charity Run For Dementia
IFA Criticise Compulsory Purchase Orders For Greenways
Offaly TD Secures Local Link Bus Route Extension For Third Level Students
Longford-Westmeath TD Highlights High Mental Health Waiting List Numbers
Photos: Dave Lawlor Celebrating 50 Years In Music
Midlands Landscaper Jailed For 'Blackout' Assault Spree
Laois School Raises Alarm Over Planned Cut To STEM Officer Role
Offaly Brothers Go On Trial Over Attempted Murder Of Two Men
New Signage Suggested For Offaly Town
Calls Renewed For National EV Training Centre in Westmeath
Gardai Investigating Laois Burglary