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Open Ensure dog theft is always treated as a criminal matter, not a civil dispute

Created by Amanda Austin
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I believe the law on dog theft needs to be changed again. I am concerned that too many dogs are being stolen, and in many cases the police treat it as a civil matter.

When there is a dispute about who has the right to keep a dog (e.g. after a shared care arrangement or break-up), police often classify it as a civil dispute instead of investigating it as theft. Having a dog stolen is hard enough without having to fight to get them back. Dogs are family and I'm concerned this is happening to too many dogs.

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    This petition will stay open until 4 February 2027.