The Pet Theft Taskforce was launched yesterday (08/05) and aims to investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown, Environment Secretary George Eustice has announced.
According to DogsTrust, the price for five of the UK’s most sought after breeds grew significantly during the first lockdown with the price of some breeds rising by as much as 89%. Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166% in the months between March and August following the start of lockdown last year.
Due to these worrying figures, the government has recently launched the Pet Theft Taskforce which will work with police and experts to better understand and tackle the rising problem of pet theft. They will also be issuing the public with clear and timely advice/recommendations on ways to reduce the chances of their pets being stolen.
The taskforce will include representatives from operational partners to provide knowledge, experience and guidance on the practical aspects of reducing pet theft. It will also seek input from stakeholders and experts in relevant fields, such as campaign groups and animal welfare organisations to gather any evidence they may hold and seek their views on the issue.
Explaining the benefits this taskforce will bring, Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "Pets are much-loved members of the family, and these reports will be distressing for all pet owners.
Pet owners shouldn’t live in fear so we’ve set up this Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the issue and ensure that we have the measures in place to stop these criminals in their tracks."
Describing in more detail the additional measure that the government are now taking to tackle the dog theft crisis, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "Having callous thieves steal a much-loved pet is heart-breaking for families and it is deplorable that criminals seek to profit from this cruel crime.
"We are already taking action to combat such lawlessness by bolstering the police with 20,000 extra officers but this new taskforce will ensure we know how best to combat the driving forces behind this distressing crime and clamp down on the perpetrators."
🐶 The Government has launched a Pet Theft Taskforce to help investigate the recent rise in reported dog thefts
— Ben Everitt (@Ben_Everitt) May 9, 2021
Pet owners shouldn't have to live in fear.https://t.co/Wm1njkOXGk
Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. If someone causes an animal to suffer in the cause of stealing it from its owner, then they are also liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The plans are part of the government’s commitment to further strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare standards and come alongside other measures including taking steps to end live animal exports and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices to be set out later this month.
For more information about what pet owners can currently do to protect their animals from theft, the Blue Cross has published detailed guidance that can be accessed by clicking here.
