Pendle MP backs Pet Theft report and law change
Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson has given his backing to recommendations made by the Pet Theft Taskforce, following their report into tackling the rise of pet thefts, including changing the law to create a new Pet Abduction Offence.
The Pet Theft Taskforce was set up in May to come up with ways to reverse the rising tide of thefts of much-loved pets, and the huge distress this type of crime causes. Around 2,000 pet thefts were reported to the police in 2020.
It is made up of officials from several government departments and enforcement agencies including the police, Crown Prosecution Service, Border Force and Local Government. it has been considering evidence from animal welfare organisations, campaign groups, academics and industry experts.
Included among its recommendations are improving records of pet ownership, getting more reliable data on pet thefts, better awareness of police initiatives and prevention measures. These changes will make it easier for the police to track pet abductions and to clamp down on offenders. The Home Office will ensure that pet abduction is recorded in a consistent manner across police forces, while all government department will review the way data is collected across the criminal justice system.
The report’s key recommendation was making Pet Abduction a new criminal office. Currently, pet thefts are treated as a loss of property to the owner, which the report found does not reflect the true severity of the crime or recognise that pets are sentient beings owners are emotionally attached to.
Mr Stephenson said, “Pets are not property – they are much loved companions and members of the family. That’s why pet theft is so distressing and such a callous crime. I strongly welcome proposals to change the law to properly reflect this.
“The Pet Task Force report contains a number of important recommendations that can much improve the way these crimes are reported and dealt with. We need to do more to bring to justice the people behind these crimes and show that stealing people’s pets is totally unacceptable.”
ENDS
For more information, please see: www.gov.uk/government/news/pet-abduction-to-be-made-new-criminal-offence-in-crackdown-on-pet-theft
