Pet Theft Reform
Lockdown contributed to one of the largest rises in demand for companion animals. Some animals have seen a decline in demand. Many have found horses too expensive to keep, which has led to a drop in horse ownership and a rise in sales.
However, this demand for dogs and pets alongside increased funds that people are willing to pay has resulted in an epidemic of dog thefts. Now last year, people in Suffolk communities have had 46 beloved pets stolen from them. Thefts are now are over at a hundred percent increase from the average thefts in 2014-2019. Now at present, it is suggested the targets are working breeds, particularly spaniels, retrievers over that of other pedigree breeds. Now working dogs face a greater vulnerability due to being often kept in kennels, whereas pets in the home are fielded a safer environment. They are, however, being targeted because people are willing to pay for these breeds and are actively looking for these dogs. Now thefts occur across the borders, we know this. Actions are being taken from the constabulary to reduce this, but why is it happening?
Reputable breeders would have been unable to plan for the increase in demand, yet they also often do not want to increase their dogs' sales solely for monetary gains related to ambitions they have for their breed. This is because they are often bred for pets second and for working or other purposes first. Yet breeders likely will have been unable to legitimately plan their litters this year due to lack of access to the broader gene pool or attend the various shows. Prices for dogs on online websites have continued to increase and are rising, which will full demand. Whilst adoption searches are also growing, the provisions rescue groups have put in place have slowed down the process, which has faced more significant pressures due to lockdown as other businesses have. Many of these websites have less regulation than both "assured" breeders and rescue centres now, many would assume buyers would be looking at lower prices, but the price is also often a third higher for each dog. Ipswich MP Tom Hunt has said, "Current punishments represent a slap on the wrist for this cruel crime." The Home Secretary Priti Patel is also working on increasing the legislation around pet theft campaigned for by various organisations, campaigns and charities. This has to happen as, without harsher sentences, we are limited to a minor impact on criminals who are caught, such as a small fine. By making the punishments harsher, it will often be a deterrent once thieves are caught, as at this point, even once caught, the threat of consequence is low.
Now keeping your pets safe, what you need to know?
Firstly, the dogs at the most significant risk are 50% more likely to be stolen from your garden, so making your garden more secure is a better way to protect them and make them less visible. A further 16% are stolen from within the home now. Remember here that if someone is observing you and waiting for the opportunity, it is worth changing your routine occasionally, such as when you let your dog out in the garden, is it always the front or back garden as an example. Equally, in terms of protecting your home, ensure that if you have a security system that it is live when your not in the house, it is a really simple step but a clincher. Other areas are making sure your dog is not left outside the home in vulnerable positions off lead where your dog may be friendly and want to greet everyone, ensure that you can call them back before they are out of sight. Avoid leaving the dog outside a shop in a locked or unlocked car. Ensure your dog has all of the identification it needs legally but that it is not easy for it to be called away from you. Now when you're out on the walk, and you need extra safeguards, use apps such as https://hollieguard.com/, which will offer you an alarm system of shorts to highlight the crime to passers-by. Also, be aware of where you are and keep yourself safe as criminals have proven they will take the dog, not just wait for an opportunity for you to be separated. In terms of what to do when you are in a position where your dog has been stolen, the following article has many useful points https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/protect-your-dog-against-theft. The key contacts for you in Suffolk: DogLost, NationalPetRegister and AnimalSearchUK are critical databases for stolen pets; as is social media, you must have up-to-date information on your pet, including a recent photo. The local dog wardens number are separated by the District Council. They are in a list for you below under the heading DW. Now to reduce your risk of buying a stolen dog, it is best to follow the guidance of recognised breed clubs or groups and your local rescue centres. These groups are best placed to recommend breeders of specific dogs and be aware of reputable litters. If you do not know where to start, start here or with national clubs like the Kennel Club, Blue Cross and the RSPCA.
Now in terms of positive steps, national organisations are backing Pet Theft reform. MPs such as Tom Hunt, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, and Siobhan Baille are advocating for reform, with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary also advocating for more stringent reforms. Now, will you support Pet Theft Reform to safeguard the nation's pets sign and share the petition and find out more from the links below https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/560216.
DW:
Forest Heath dog warden 01638 71 97 33
St Edmundsbury dog warden 01284 75 70 58
Mid Suffolk dog warden 01449 72 45 00
Waveney dog warden 01502 52 31 17
Suffolk Coastal dog warden 01394 44 40 00
Ipswich dog warden 01473 43 31 15
Babergh dog warden 01473 82 66 22
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/dog-theft-statistics-in-suffolk-2700864
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dog-stolen-puppies-theft-lost-sell-buy-cost-coronavirus-suffolk-a9652231.html
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media-centre/2021/february/stronger-penalties-for-pet-theft-welcomed-by-the-kennel-club/
https://www.suffolk.police.uk/services/freedom-information/disclosure-logs/2019-disclosure-logs/crime-and-incident-statistics
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11895265/lockdown-pet-thefts-puppy-farming-fights/
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/protect-your-dog-against-theft
https://www.dogsforgood.org/good-advice/protect-dog-from-theft/
https://metro.co.uk/2021/02/24/how-to-avoid-accidentally-buying-a-stolen-dog-14139487/?ico=related-posts
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/5/209
https://www.pettheftreform.com/
