Taskforce launched to investigate reported rise in pet thefts

A Pet Theft Taskforce has been launched to investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown, Environment Secretary George Eustice has announced. Sales platforms have reported a considerable rise in puppy and kitten prices over the course of the past year following more people deciding to buy or adopt a pet. Recent reports have suggested that this may be leading to a rise in pet thefts.

According to DogsTrust, the price for 5 of the UK's most sought after breeds grew significantly during the 1st lockdown with the price of some breeds rising by as much as 89%. Google searches for:- 'buy a puppy' increased by 166% in the months between March and August, following the start of lockdown in 2020. Recent Police investigations into dog theft have also resulted in numerous raids and arrests on suspicion of theft and animal cruelty.

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 Taskforce will learn lessons from successes in tackling other types of theft, such as mobile phone or metal theft, and how to clamp down most effectively on this illegal market and those engaged in it.

Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. If someone causes an animal to suffer in the cause of stealing it from its owner, then they are also liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

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. It will also seek input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields.

The Pet Theft 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.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:- "Pets are much loved members of the family, and these reports will be distressing for all pet owners. Pet owners shouldn't live in fear so we've set up this Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the issue and ensure that we have the measures in place to stop these criminals in their tracks."

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:- "Having callous thieves steal a much loved pet is heart breaking for families and it is deplorable that criminals seek to profit from this cruel crime. We are already taking action to combat such lawlessness by bolstering the Police with 20,000 extra officers but this new taskforce will ensure we know how best to combat the driving forces behind this distressing crime and clamp down on the perpetrators."

The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, said:- "We are a nation of animal lovers and many of us have sought the companionship of pets during the Pandemic, which makes the reported spike in thefts especially cruel and shocking to many people. This taskforce will examine every option available to protect families from this appalling crime and make sure perpetrators feel the full force of the law."

Taskforce partner, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said:- "Dog theft is a very emotive issue which has a huge impact on families or individuals and we are aware of a growing concern around this issue. The taskforce will support us in understanding this risk and also identifying trends involving serious and organised crime. The taskforce will enable us to gather intelligence across the country and tackle groups who work across geographical boundaries. We hope that this is a step forward in providing reassurance that we are committed to understanding any risks fully, and challenging related criminal behaviour."

The Police have advised that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs and should take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates.

The Blue Cross has also published detailed guidance for pet owners on how they can protect their animals from theft.

The taskforce will include:- representatives from operational partners to provide knowledge, experience and guidance on the practical aspects of reducing pet theft. It will also seek the input from stakeholders and experts in relevant fields, such as campaign groups and animal welfare organisations to gather any evidence they may hold and seek their views on the issue.

The taskforce will aim to report on the findings and publish its recommendations in the autumn this year.

The plans are part of the Government's commitment to further strengthening the UK's position as a global leader in animal welfare standards and come alongside other measures including taking steps to end live animal exports and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices to be set out later this month.

Taskforce partner, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman add:- "We encourage all victims to report these crimes to the Police so they can be investigated appropriately. Information about these crimes can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on telephone number:- 0800555111 or by completing an online form, which can be found at:- Crimestoppers-UK.Org."

Buying pets safely:-

►  Anyone looking to buy a pet can get tips and advice on the Petfished campaign website by searching:- 'Get your pet safely' or visiting:- GetYourPetSafely.Gov.UK.

►  The Petfished campaign calls for consumers to remain vigilant, always researching the seller before visiting, reporting suspicious adverts and crucially be prepared to walk away and report suspected cases of animal abuse to the RSCPA or, if witnesses, the Police.

►  If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of dogs in any dog breeding establishment, they should report the matter to the relevant local authority who have powers to investigate.
 

The Queen's Gallantry Medal is awarded to 5 Police Officers and 3 Firefighters

5 Police Officers and 3 Firefighters are among the 12 recipients unveiled, on Saturday, 8 May 2021, in the Civilian Gallantry List 2021 for their acts of heroism. The Queen's Gallantry Medal is awarded to Police Sergeant Michael Hooper and Police Constable Stephen Quartermain for their attempted rescue of 5 people following a helicopter crash, in Leicester, in 2018. Tragically, the 5 passengers lost their lives but both officers put themselves at huge risk trying to save those onboard, sustaining serious injuries as the helicopter was engulfed by flames.

Also receiving the Queen's Gallantry Medal are Joel Snarr and Daniel Nicholson for their rescue of 3 passengers of a light aircraft which crashed after taking off from Abergavenny, in Wales, in 2019. Both men independently ran towards the burning plane, breaking a window to save all onboard before the plane was totally consumed by fire, with no injuries sustained.

Cumbrian Firefighter Stephen Wharton is among eight recipients of the Queen's Commendation for Bravery Award for his rescue of a 13 year old boy who was drowning in the River Eden in 2019. At great personal risk, Crew Manager Wharton removed the protective kit that was keeping him safe but preventing him from going under water to find the boy. He dived down to a depth of 2 to 3 metres, located the child and brought him to the surface where he was resuscitated after having been underwater for 20 minutes. The boy made a full recovery.

Gallantry awards are the only civilian honours in the UK honours system which can be awarded posthumously. This is the case for Maurice Wrightson, who sadly lost his life when the brakes stopped working on the coach he was driving in the French Alps in 2013. To avoid the coach, with 51 British passengers onboard, crashing into a ravine, Mr Wrightson chose to drive the coach into a boulder to save everyone but tragically lost his own life. The Queen's Commendation for Bravery Award will be awarded to his next of kin on their behalf.

Quotes from Queen's Gallantry Medal recipients:-

Joel Snarr said:- "I am beyond words to have been considered for this award, it is a real honour to accept."

Daniel Nicholson said:- "I am extremely grateful to be nominated for such a prestigious award. It is an honor to be regarded in the same manner as previous QGM winners. My family and I are very proud."

PS Michael Hooper said:- "I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have been nominated for this award. Whilst it was extraordinary circumstances and something that no Police Officer would ever want to face in their entire career; I know that we only acted instinctively; how any other officer from across the country would have reacted."

PC Stephen Quartermain said:- "When I found out about the nomination I was shocked. It feels quite surreal, however I am honoured and humbled."

Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, Simon Cole QPM, said:- "Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who lost their lives on that tragic day at Leicester's beloved football ground. Lots of people were very brave that day but both Mike and Steve showed true heroism; acting on their instincts and risking their own lives to try and save others. It is a great honour that they are being recognised in this way; an honour they both deserve. I am extremely proud of them and everyone who responded on the day and the days following the tragedy."