Dog abduction to become criminal offence with up to FIVE years in jail
It is being added to the Kept Animals Bill, as latest annual figures show 77 thefts were reported in Cornwall and Devon
Last updated 18th Nov 2021
A new criminal offence to crack down on dog theft and put people who steal our much-loved pets behind bars has been set out in the government’s Kept Animals Bill.
More than 2,000 pet thefts were reported to police in 2020/2021, including 77 in Cornwall and Devon, and now people who steal a canine companion could face up to five years in jail.
What will the offence include?
Defra says the new offence will take into account the emotional distress caused to both the owner and the dog and help enable judges to give more targeted penalties and sentences for pet thieves.
It added that a provision will also be made in the Bill to extend the offence to other pets in the future if evidence supports that.
Having already announced a Pet Theft Taskforce back in May, Environment Secretary and MP for Camborne and Redruth, George Eustice said: "The loss of a much-loved pet causes unique distress. I am pleased that we are legislating to recognise this specific crime.
"The new dog abduction offence will reflect the impact on animals in penalties for criminals, and deliver justice for victims".
Leaders from animal organisations have welcomed the move, which they hope will "crack down on the heart-breaking issue of pet theft".
Chief veterinary officer Dr Christine Middlemiss described the latest move as "an important step forward" with dogs being treated "as sentient beings rather than merely property".
She said: "The recognition of the distress caused to animals by pet theft is an important step forward, treating them as sentient beings rather than merely property.
"The new offence should build greater awareness of the significant impacts of dog theft on people and animals, and reassure pet owners that these crimes are being taken seriously".
The police advises 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.
There has been an increase in demand for dogs nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in inflated prices for puppies and dogs.
Nationally, dog theft cases have increased by 170% between 2019 and 2020, but locally the figures are much lower with a 28% increase over the same period.
Devon & Cornwall Police recorded a total of 77 stolen dogs across the year 2020/21.
Our force now have 30 microchip scanners, some of which have been donated by Dog Lost to help reunite dogs with their families.
And in May 2021, Devon & Cornwall Police announced the appointment of a specialist officer to tackle dog thefts.
Chief Inspector Rob Curtis wants to reassure people that Devon and Cornwall Police take dog theft very seriously.
He urges all owners to visit their vet and have their pet microchipped with all contact details kept up to date in the event of moving home or changing a phone number.
He said: "The theft of a beloved pet causes major distress to the owners, and although dog theft is very rare, we want people to be aware and to take safe precautions to help protect their dogs from this crime.
"Microchipping is not only a legal requirement but is essential in helping to return pets back to their rightful owners. We want to make sure that we can reunite any lost or stolen dogs back with their families as quickly as possible".