| answer text |
<p>The Government fully understands the deep distress caused by the theft of a much-loved
family pet and the importance of dealing with pet theft given the impact it can have
on owners.</p><p> </p><p>The Government launched the Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021
in response to the apparent rise in pet theft since the start of the pandemic. The
Taskforce’s recommendations include the creation of a new ‘pet abduction’ offence
to recognise that pets are not mere items of property and to recognise the potential
impact on their welfare when they are taken by strangers.</p><p> </p><p>The Taskforce
also recommended improving the evidence base on pet theft by improving how cases are
identified and tracked; improving the recording of keepership on microchipping databases;
and tackling the fear of crime through raising awareness about police initiatives
and prevention measures.</p><p> </p><p>The offence is one of the measures in the Animal
Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill currently being considered by Parliament. As currently
drafted the offence focuses on dogs, with enabling powers.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal
Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was reintroduced to the House of Commons in May 2022 and
will progress to Report Stage as soon as parliamentary time allows.</p><p> </p>
|
|
