Swindon MP backs Government pet theft task force

South Swindon MP and Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland says the Government will work with law enforcement and experts to tackle pet theft.

The move follows a recent reported increase in the number of offences.  

The recently-launched task force will investigate the reported rise in pet thefts since the start of lockdown in March 2020.

Sales platforms have reported a considerable rise in puppy and kitten prices over the past year as more people have decided to buy or adopt a pet. Recent reports have suggested that this may be leading to a rise in pet thefts.

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 percent. 

Mr Buckland said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and many of us have sought the companionship of pets during the pandemic, which makes the reported spike in thefts especially cruel and shocking to many people.

“This task force will examine every option available to protect families from this appalling crime and make sure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.”

Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166 percent between March and August following the start of lockdown last year. Recent police investigations into dog theft have also resulted in numerous raids and arrests on suspicion of theft and animal cruelty.

The new task force has been set up to gather evidence and understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem. The task force will learn lessons from successes in tackling other types of theft, such as mobile phone or metal theft, and how to clamp down most effectively on this illegal market and those engaged in it.

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 course of stealing it from its owner, they are also liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

A task force partner, Gwent Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, said: “Dog theft is a very emotive issue which has a huge impact on families or individuals, and we are aware of a growing concern around this issue. 

"The task force will support us in understanding this risk and also identifying trends involving serious and organised crime.

“The task force will enable us to gather intelligence across the country and tackle groups who work across geographical boundaries. We hope that this is a step forward in providing reassurance that we are committed to understanding any risks fully, and challenging related criminal behaviour.”

The Pet Theft Taskforce will:

- Work with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft.

- Consider the issue from end to end, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.

- Make clear and timely recommendations on ways to reduce pet theft.

Wiltshire Police has established a 'Dog Watch Scheme' to help reassure owners around the safety of their pets. The Dog Watch Scheme is driven through the Wiltshire Police Community Message site, and people can sign up for it via www.wiltsmessaging.co.uk 

The police have advised that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs and take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates.

The Blue Cross has also published detailed guidance for pet owners on how they can protect their animals from theft.

The task force will include representatives from operational partners to provide knowledge, experience and guidance on the practical aspects of reducing pet theft. 

It will also seek the 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.

The task force will aim to report on the findings and publish its recommendations in the autumn this year.

The Government says the plans are part of its 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.