Pet Theft taskforce launched to investigate reported rise in cases
It comes after 83 dogs, believed to be stolen, were found in Suffolk in March.
The Government's announced its launching a Pet Theft taskforce to investigate the reported rise in number of cases during lockdown.
The team will investigate a reported increase in the number of pets being stolen, gather evidence, and recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem.
It comes just weeks after Suffolk Police discovered 83 dogs, all believed to be stolen, at a travellers site in Ipswich.
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%.
Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166% in the months 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 taskforce aims to 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 the illegal market and those who engage 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 cause of stealing it from its owner, then they are also liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The taskforce will be made up of government officials from DEFRA, Home Office and Ministry of Justice, as well as operational partners such as the police.
It will also seek input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields.