Ruth Edwards has welcomed the announcement today that the Government will introduce a new offence of pet abduction.
This follows a recent survey which Ruth launched in the local area, asking residents across Rushcliffe about their concerns in relation to this issue.
The Pet Theft Task Force policy review, set up in response to growing concerns around this issue, includes a new pet abduction offence which recognises the significance that a pet being stolen has on the welfare of an animal, as well as the emotional stress this has on the owners.
Ruth had previously called for this offence to be introduced in Parliament, arguing that pets were members of the family rather than property and should be treated as such by the law.
During the pandemic, the demand for pets, particularly dogs, has increased greatly. As this demand has risen, so has their price. Organised crime groups have adapted their criminality in response, taking advantage of the marketplace.
Other recommendations from the task force included tackling the fear surrounding this type of crime; tracking cases so that accurate data can be kept whilst improving ownership data to support the tracking of lost dogs.
Upon hearing the Government’s announcement, Ruth Edwards said:
“This report has been eagerly awaited and warmly welcomed. I am particularly pleased with the recommendation for a new pet abduction offence.
“I know that those who completed my pet theft survey and from my conversations with people across Rushcliffe, that pet theft remains a great source of worry for animal-lovers so I hope this report demonstrates how the Government is listening and responding to these very valid concerns.
Pet theft is a cowardly crime and this new offence will make sure that the punishment now fits the crime”
• Pet abduction to be made new criminal offence in crackdown on pet theft
