PCC outlines five-point plan to protect Gloucestershire's pooches

Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner has outlined his five-point plan to tackle dog thefts in the county.

More than 27,000 people know someone in the UK who had a dog stolen last year according to a dog theft-survey, run by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

PCC Chris Nelson has now outlined five ways he aims to tackle dog thefts in the county and to stop organised criminals profiting from the crime.

He's also added his support to a national ‘Protect Your Pooch’ campaign launched by Neighbourhood Watch in May 2021, which aims to educate dog owners on how best to keep their pets safe from thieves.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson says the issue of dog theft is close to his heart: “My West Highland Terrier, Monty is a member of the family.

"It would be hugely traumatic for him to be cruelly taken away from us, something thousands of people have faced over the last year.

“I’ll be working alongside local MPs to seek either a change in sentencing guidelines or a change in the law. The judicial system needs to recognise the emotional value of our pets.”

What's the plan?

• Securing better data from police forces that specifically records pet theft going forwards, rather than just ‘property’ theft, so that the true scale of the problem can be established. This will take time to implement, so a public survey will also be conducted to identify how much pet theft has already taken place.

• Police resources should be deployed to catch the organised gangs targeting our pets, my promise of 300 new officers for Gloucestershire will help with this.

• Dog theft should be a priority within our Regional Organised Crime Units.

• Improve public awareness of how to reduce pet vulnerability to criminals.

• Working with local MPs to seek a change in sentencing guidelines to ensure judicial system recognises the emotional and social value of our pets, so that tougher sentences can be applied in our courts. If that approach does not produce harsher penalties for pet theft, it may then be necessary to change the law.

• Siobhan Baillie is Conservative MP for Stroud, and supports the PCC’s agenda: “Pet theft is on the rise and owners need to listen to police advice and take steps to ensure they are not a victim.

• "Losing a pet in such circumstances is heart-breaking because it is often the loss of a family member. Many people are absolutely traumatised by their much-loved animal being stolen.”

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