DOGNAPPING LAW CHANGE

‘Two years’ jail for pet theft’

DOGNAPPERS could be jailed for two years under plans to change the laws on pet theft.

A proposed amendment to the Policing Bill would make stealing them a crime in its own right.

Currently, pets are treated the same as property under the Theft Act 1968.

Labour justice spokesman David Lammy, inset, is behind the push after a rise in dognapping.

Despite the current Act setting out a maximum jail term of seven years, the Kennel Club says fewer than 5% of pet thefts result in a conviction. Mr Lammy said: “The current laws are failing to put off organised crooks from stealing pets for profit.

“Labour is calling on the Government to work with us to prevent more victims of this cruel crime.”

The campaign comes as thefts have risen by up to 250% during the pandemic, as people stayed at home.

Prices for some puppies have risen from £500 to £2,000. Home Secretary Priti Patel said in

February that she was “looking at what we can do” to tackle the “absolutely shocking” crime. But this week the Home Office said it had no information about any meetings on the issue involving Ms Patel since October 2020. Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Tim Farron said: “It’s very concerning that the Home Secretary might not be treating this growing problem with the seriousness that it deserves.”