Julian discusses Pet Thefts with Home Secretary
April 29, 2021
Julian welcomed the Home Secretary Priti Patel MP as well as Philip Allot, the Conservative candidate for Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in North Yorkshire, to Red House Kennels and Cattery near York to discuss dog theft.
The Home Secretary confirmed that a major Government meeting is shortly taking place between different departments, including DEFRA and the Home Office, to recategorise dog thefts which are currently treated as just a general theft. This will allow more serious penalties for theft and the allocation of police resources to investigate them.
Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals.
Non-specialist breeds of dogs fetch well over £2,000, while those in great demand such as French bulldogs can sell for more than £5,000. A litter can fetch prizes as high as £35,000.
According to Dog Lost, the UK’s largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.
Julian is following developments closely and will support any Government legislation that introduces tougher sentences for criminals involved in pet thefts.
