WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Sign the petition to make dog theft a specific offence on: petition. parliament.uk (type in ‘dog theft’).

–

If you’re getting a new dog, make sure you source it responsibly. Most people selling online will be genuine but do try to visit the puppy before you put down any money, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A genuine seller will be happy to answer.

–

Get behind campaigns to create pet passports or pet IDS. As Martin Surl of Gloucestershire Police said, the onus should be on the owner to prove that a dog is theirs.