Blue Cross calls for tougher sentencing after pet theft increase
New figures reveal a sharp rise in thenumber of pets being stolen in the UK.
Blue Cross research found that pet theft is up by about a third, with 1,567 cats and dogs reported stolen last year compared to 1,150 in 2012.
The charity is now calling for tougher sentences to deter people from stealing pets.
Becky Thwaites, Blue Cross Public Affairs Officer, said: “The effect of having your pet stolen can be absolutely devastating for owners. This is why we want the Government to do more to deal with this increasing problem. Penalties need to be tougher for those committing these crimes to act as deterrent to others. We also believe that police forces need to ensure they deal with these cases in a sensitive manner and highlight where owners can go for further support.”
Liam and his beloved dog Lola before she was stolen
Almost half of pet owners who took part in our survey believe that homes are being deliberately targeted by criminals who are capitalising on the nation's devotion to pets, with animals being stolen to sell or in return for a reward or ransom. A third of owners are worried they might fall victim to the heartless crime themselves.
Lola, an 18-month-old miniature schnauzer, went missing while staying with relatives in Fareham in September this year. Neighbours saw two men and a woman snatch her from a nearby doorstep and she hasn’t been seen since, leaving her family heartbroken.
Owner Gemma Atkin-Brown said: “We’re devastated by the loss of Lola and are desperate to get her back. My son cries himself to sleep at night because he misses her so much and my disabled daughter can’t understand why Lola has gone.”
Blue Cross’s Pet Bereavement Support Service, which has been helping pet owners for over 20 years, receives more than 6,000 calls and emails a year from those who are dealing with losing a pet.
Tracie McGrory, Pet Bereavement Support Manager, said: “A pet is an integral part of so many families who are absolutely devastated if they are stolen. Not only are they missing their pet they are also desperately worried about what is happening to them.”
Click here for more info on our pet theft campaign and advice on how to prevent it happening to you
