To prevent dog snatching and “bring justice for victims,” we are one step closer to developing a new criminal offence. Those convicted of stealing a dog may face up to five years in prison .
According to Government proposals. In September, the Government’s pet theft taskforce recommended that the crime be added to the Kept Animals Bill.
According to animal rights organizations, it will help “cut down on the unfortunate problem of pet theft.
The effect of the pandemic
When the epidemic broke out in May of this year, the police received more than 2,000 reports of pet thefts, prompting the creation of the task team.
Seven out of every ten animal theft offences reported to the police include dogs, according to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra).
George Eustice, the Secretary of the Environment, says that “special anguish” is felt when a beloved pet dies. I’m delighted that we’re recognizing this particular offence in legislation.
For perpetrators, the new dog abduction charge will reflect the animal’s suffering in the punishments they face, and provide justice for victims.
More targeted sanctions
Dog owners and their pets will be taken into consideration when a new offence is created, Defra said. This would allow courts to provide more targeted sanctions and sentences to pet thieves.
Moreover, if evidence warrants, the bill will include language for the charge to include additional types of pets in the future . Legislators must see dogs as sentient creatures rather than as property .
Dr. Christine Middlemiss says this recent decision is a major step forward. In her words: “The new offence should generate more awareness about the enormous repercussions on people and animals of dog theft . And it will ensure pet owners that these crimes are treated seriously.
According to RSPCA spokesman David Bowles: “Pet theft is devastating for pet owners . Hopes the crime will “serve as a genuine deterrence to those who commit this crime.
That the government has also recognized the importance of other factors is extremely heartening to us.
Adding various types of pets
Legislators must make provisions for the inclusion of various types of pets,” he added. This new rule, which allows for prison terms of up to five years, is intended to assist combat the tragic problem of pet theft.
The event is so sad and heartbreaking
“Having your beloved pet taken is a tremendously stressful and frequently heartbreaking event,” says Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust.
“Dogs Trust has been calling for tougher sanctions to dissuade individuals who benefit from this vile crime for years. “We applaud the Government’s new steps to combat pet theft and place the care of our pets as sentient creatures at the top of the priority list . We hope that the enhanced penalties will deter would-be thieves.
