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UPDATE 3 SEPTEMBER 2021 – Taskforce points suggestions
The Pet Theft Taskforce, established by the federal government final May (see under), has issued a number of suggestions designed to sort out the issue.
Official figures recommend 2,000 dogs have been stolen in England and Wales throughout 2020, with criminals in search of to revenue from rising costs brought on by a surge in demand for pets throughout the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.
Principal among the many suggestions is the creation of a ‘pet abduction’ offence to acknowledge the welfare of sentient animals. The Taskforce says the scope of the offence ought to embody dogs, with its relevance to different kinds of animal being explored because the coverage is developed.
Other suggestions embody:
- Improving constant recording and knowledge assortment of pet thefts by the police in England and Wales and by the federal government throughout the whole lot of the prison justice system. This would assist establish pet theft instances and build a stronger proof base of the dimensions of the issue.
- New necessities to register extra particulars on canine microchip databases alongside different enhancements to how the databases work, together with exploring a single level of access and enabling adjustments of keeper to be tracked extra carefully
- Increased publicity about police successes in tackling pet theft, and about police exercise to sort out pet theft, together with their joint working with companion businesses such because the RSPCA and native authorities
- Encouraging gross sales platforms to implement extra id checks on sellers to enhance the traceability of sellers, and to encourage the usage of cashless transactions
- Consideration of a brand new registration requirement for these concerned in low ranges of breeding which fall under the present breeding licensing threshold, as a part of bettering the traceability of all gross sales. This would complement present commitments to introduce licensing for rescue and rehoming centres, and complement present proposals to clamp down on imports of concern by way of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill at the moment earlier than Parliament
- Support for pilot schemes which are trialling voluntary types of ID, reminiscent of DNA databases and forensic marking to work alongside microchipping.
George Eustice MP, setting secretary, mentioned: “While it’s already a prison offence to steal a pet, the emotional affect of getting a pet stolen is simple – on each the proprietor and the animal.
“One of the recommendations that we will be developing further is the introduction of a new pet abduction offence, reflecting the fact that pets are not just property. A purpose-made offence for pet theft will ensure that those who steal pets are punished accordingly.”
Individual sentences are set by the courts, the regulation at current permits sentences of as much as 14 years for these concerned in theft, housebreaking and dealing with stolen items.
The authorities can also be consulting on elevating the permitted age for importing puppies from 15 weeks to 6 months, alongside a raft of different measures aimed toward bettering canine welfare.
8 May 2021 – Taskforce Aims To Tackle Pet Thefts
The authorities has established a taskforce to analyze the recent reported rise in pet theft throughout the Covid pandemic.
Sales and adoptions of dogs and cats particularly have elevated up to now 12 months, with costs rising accordingly. Criminals are regarded as following the money, therefore the rise in pets being stolen.
Charity DogLost, which goals to reunite stolen dogs with their homeowners, recorded a 170% enhance in canine thefts from 2019 to 2020. It is estimated that just one% of canine thefts lead to a profitable prosecution.
According to DogsTrust, the value for 5 of the UK’s most sought-after breeds grew considerably throughout the first lockdown, with the value of some breeds rising by as a lot as 89%. Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ elevated by 166% within the months between March and August following the beginning of lockdown final 12 months.
Stealing a pet is a prison offence, with offenders going through a most penalty of seven years in jail. If somebody causes an animal to endure in the reason for stealing it from its proprietor, then they’re additionally liable to prosecution for offences underneath the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The taskforce will likely be made up of presidency officers in addition to operational companions such because the police. It can even search enter from animal welfare teams. Its goals are to:
- work with police, regulation enforcement, and specialists to know and sort out pet theft
- think about causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.
- clarify and well timed suggestions on methods to cut back pet theft.
Robert Buckland QC MP, the Lord Chancellor, mentioned: “We are a nation of animal lovers and many people have sought the companionship of pets throughout the pandemic, which makes the reported spike in thefts particularly merciless and stunning to many individuals.
“This taskforce will examine every option available to protect families from this appalling crime and make sure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.”
The police advise canine homeowners to keep away from leaving their pet unattended whereas out in public, fluctuate their routines when walking their dogs and take basic safety steps at home reminiscent of checking locks on doorways and backyard gates.
Up to 70% of canine thefts take place from the proprietor’s backyard.
Protecting your pet
The Blue Cross animal charity gives guidance on how homeowners can defend their animals from theft. If your pet is stolen, you could possibly declare in your pet insurance coverage. Your coverage might present money for promoting supplies and a reward, and compensation in case your pet is just not discovered after a sure time interval, usually 30 days.
The taskforce will intention to publish its suggestions within the autumn.
The plans are a part of the Government’s dedication to additional strengthening the UK’s position as a worldwide chief in animal welfare requirements and are available alongside different measures together with taking steps to finish dwell animal exports and crack down on the unlawful smuggling of dogs and puppies, with additional proposals to enhance requirements and eradicate merciless practices to be set out later this month.
