This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament

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Petition Increase minimum and maximum sentences for pet theft

People convicted of stealing pets should face significant prison sentences. Having a pet stolen is heartbreaking, they are often considered part of the family and this is not adequately recognised by current offences used to prosecute pet theft.

This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months

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Government announces taskforce to investigate reported rise in pet thefts

The Government has announced that a Pet Theft Taskforce will investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown.

Read the full announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/taskforce-launched-to-investigate-reported-rise-in-pet-thefts

The new taskforce has been set up to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem.

The Government has stated that the Taskforce will:

  • work with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft
  • consider the issue from end to end, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.
  • make clear and timely recommendations on ways to reduce pet theft.

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. The Government has said it will also seek input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields.