Feelings considered in dognappings

Judges will take welfare of animals into account when sentencing under new pet abduction offence

ANIMALS’ feelings could be taken into account by judges when sentencing pet thieves, as proposals for a new offence are drawn up by the Government.

Dognappers may soon be charged with a new offence of pet abduction, which would carry greater penalties than theft.

The proposal, drawn up by the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce, aims to acknowledge that animals are sentient creatures and should not fall under the category of “property” in legislation.

Sources confirmed that the proposed offence could “allow acknowledgement of the sentience of animals” by enabling judges to take into account the welfare of the animals, as well as the loss to owners, when sentencing offenders.

Robert Buckland, the Justice Secretary, has been a key architect of the new offence, which comes after a surge in pet thefts during the pandemic.

A government source said: “Instead of making a tokenistic change to the law, we have been listening to charities, breeders and the police to get a better understanding of what we need to do to tackle this awful crime.

“Part of the package will be a new offence to better reflect the fact that for most people, pets are not just property and having one stolen is traumatic for both the owner and the pet.

“A purpose-made new offence will do this and mean those who steal pets will face tougher sentences than they do at the moment.”

Dogs significantly increased in demand and value during multiple lockdowns, as individuals and families sought a companion to make the isolation more bearable.

The average price paid for a puppy more than doubled from £808 in 2019 to £1,875 in 2020, according to Pets4Home. Some of the most expensive breeds, such as English bulldogs, were being advertised for as much as £9,000.

This attracted the attention of organised crime gangs. DogLost, a UK charity that helps victims of dog theft, recorded a 170 per cent increase in the crime between 2019 and 2020.

The Government has said the Theft Act is an “inadequate tool” in prosecuting pet thieves.

Campaigners have called for a new pet theft offence to be introduced, for which sentences would be more severe than for theft of property. While the existing offence of theft carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, they say offenders who are caught usually end up being fined or handed a suspended sentence. They believe this is far too lenient when pets are often considered akin to family members.

However, ministers have rejected the calls for a pet theft offence due to concerns it would overlap and interfere with existing elements of the Theft Act. They believe it could lead to confusion when prosecutors draw up charges, then result in a failure to deliver greater sentences for offenders.

A pet abduction offence provides a “blank canvas” from which to work, said the Government. It is likely to be added to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which is currently moving through Parliament. The Pet Theft

Taskforce was set up earlier this year to examine why dognapping was becoming more common. It is made up of officials from the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice and the police. Animal welfare groups and experts are also being consulted.

It will soon publish a report detailing its recommendations to tackle the rising number of pet thefts.

Police have advised owners to avoid leaving their dog unattended in public, to vary walking routes and to check the locks on their doors and garden gates are secure. They have also warned against posting pictures of pets on social media which make it obvious where the animal is being kept.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, said profiting from stealing beloved pets was “deplorable” and “callous”.