The UK government’s new Pet Theft Taskforce delivered a report in September 2021 which outlined recommendations to tackle rising pet theft.

The most important recommendation is to make pet abductions a specific crime. The new law would recognise the welfare of animals and that pets are valued as more than just property.

Stealing pets is a criminal offense and offenders can face a maximum sentence of seven years. But this sits under the current Theft Act 1968 law which determines pets as property. The new proposed law takes into account the Animal Welfare Act 2006, whereby if someone steals an animal from its owner then they’re also liable for prosecution for animal cruelty and other offensives included in the Animal Welfare Act. It is not currently known what the maximum sentence for a new offence of pet abduction might be.

Report recommendations

The government’s official press release highlights that the Pet Theft Taskforce recommendations include:

  • The creation of a new ‘pet abduction’ offence:

Pet theft is currently treated as a loss of property to the owner, but we know that does not reflect the true severity of this crime. The new offence will prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings and recognise the emotional distress to the animal in addition to its owner.

  • Identifying and tracking cases:

Reliable data on pet theft is limited and improved recording and data collection about these crimes will build a stronger evidence base about the problem.

  • Improving the recording of ownership and transfer data:

New requirements to register additional details and a single point of access to microchipping databases will support tracking lost and stolen dogs.

  • Tackling the fear of crime:

Police will work together with partner agencies to raise awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures

Dog theft on the increase

Prices for puppies more than doubled during the 2020 nationwide lockdown. Average puppy prices were around £1,900, with more popular breeds like Cavapoos fetching nearly £3,000. This rise in prices and demand meant dognappings increased nationwide.   

Figures show 2,000 dogs were stolen in England and Wales in 2020, making it the worst year for dog thefts.

See our dog theft prevention tips here.

Improved prevention and dog recovery

The Pet Theft Taskforce also recommended ways to improve dog identification and ownership records.

Proposed measures include proof of identification for all online pet adverts, which would force selling platforms to improve tractability of their third-party sellers. Owners should also be able to register their dogs with police, including photos and DNA as well as contact and microchip information.

The aim of these proposals is to make it more difficult for dognappers to abduct and sell on pets and make it easier for police to apprehend offenders.

You can read the Pet Theft Taskforce’s September 2021 full policy paper here.