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Protest are they for Change or just Unnecessary Disruption:
One of the core elements of a democracy is our right to free speech and a right to protest however, although we have these rights not all campaigns are treated equally. Not all causes are adopted by the public will and therefore just because a minority can does that mean they should.
The protests:
In the news we have seen an increase in protestors taking direct action on the M25 with the aim to disrupt drivers to garner media attention to influence change. With the aim to improve insulation of Britains instead of warming hearts the disruption caused has left protestors out in the cold.
Now I am not against protest or the power of the individual as many of our key moments have come from a small number but many methods are flawed. The 3.5% rule as an example is a principle that so long as 3.5% of the population agree with an action engaging this can influence government decisions. Now to put this into a context the insulate britain protests are headed by a small minority numbering at most a hundred from evidence. Extinction rebellion was in the 1000s and in Leicester BLM had 4000 individuals.
Now 3.5% of UKs population is 2391190 so many of these protests are a long way off of the influential minority.
So how can you have an impact?
You must take the population with you or offer a sensible alternative. Many individuals of these groups often scoff when people question their actions or intentions telling people to do their own research but this does nothing but forces people away from their cause. Campaigners that share research provide resources and are able to work with other groups are often more anecdotally more successful with their campaigns. Looking at campaigns such as Anatonias Law for care home reform, the moves made my the Pet Theft Reform team, Finns law, Tuks Law as well as larger organisations to influence changes. These campaigns however have benefited from the benefit of research they then add in the emotional component which brings people with them.
Take some of Insulate Britains own points:
Their targets of getting central government to change insulation when planning is a district or unitary council issue. A points they are raising is about new homes being built to a standard, yet they do not focus on shoddy developers with documented evidence of cut corners on their builds. They have no strategy to inform house buyers of their rights so they can challenge developers or to work with communities to block inadequate development taking place. This however is also difficult to achieve when they have no firm targets to influence house building targets. So why are they not targeting councils to adopt a higher standard of housing or working with HORNET to influence changes to house building’s standards tackling property developers as they did with leaseholds and as they are still working on with Fleecehold properties.
Issues such as fleecehold properties are an issue that planners (civil servants) do not want to tackle pressure on elected officials in the right way would help to lobby for change. Or better yet get involved to influence the change on the doorstep. The second point they are campaigning for is for government to pay for insulation of old homes to be levelled up to a standard, but without a clear standard this will always be difficult. The green grant scheme had this option but wasn’t well adopted and if the government bring it back in as an incentive businesses or suppliers up the cost or it becomes another tax burden.
The other reason why many have little sympathy for this particular cause however is strategies are already in place to tackle it. There are green grants households can apply for on existing dwellings particularly for the less well off in society. However rather than promote this change and encourage people to take up the scheme by going to the following link: Simple Energy Advice check your eligibility and see if you can get help.
https://carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu/files/cchr/files/CCDP_005.pdf
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/policy-and-research/campaigning-policy
https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-cavity-loft-insulation/
Challenges with EHCPs
One of the core reasons why I got into teaching was to champion the aspirations of young people and to allow them to succeed. Due to specialising in land-based subjects such as Agriculture and Animal Studies I aspired to support the next generation of farmers, equestrians and conservationists. However, I became aware of challenges facing young people rurally was vastly different to those in urban areas. One area, in particular, those with SEND needs so although I continue to aim to support these learners in the classroom I recognise that more needs to be done to highlight their cause across the county and that is one of the reasons I am standing as a County Council candidate this May.
What are they?
EHCPs or Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs). While traditional Special Education Needs (SEN) funding is met through national funding provided to schools. EHCPs are legally binding provisions that outline additional funding for learners who need further or specific support to allow them the same opportunities to access the education system and to be able to succeed.
My Experiences:
Having taught a variety of learners in my time as a lecturer over the last several years, I have recognised the challenges facing the student and their parents who are trying to provide the best opportunities for their child and the difficulties of these EHCPs. The premise of these documents is to increase aspirations and support the learners, but to achieve this, the parents often need a great deal of support and have the correct tools to raise their points in meetings. The problem is two factored here often the parent does not necessarily have all of this knowledge readily available to them. Although support is present and schools or relevant professionals can support them, there is a risk that families are falling through the cracks. I have seen learners who have had their EHCPs lapse who then struggle to get the support put in place midway through the year to allow them to succeed, which causes distress and disruption to the families after the best for their children. The other problem is that the young people, whilst the focus of the meeting may have different views from those supporting them. Hence, it is crucial their aspirations, and their parents are reviewed together but noted as distinctly separate to allow for better reflection. This has been done successfully by independent meetings with the young person with a relevant professional.
Challenges facing SEN families:
Whilst an EHCP is a guidance document for the school or college to provide further support for learners, there have been notable variations across different schools nationally, which will reflect the situation within the county. This variation often is one of the leading reasons parents are dissatisfied with the EHCP and, importantly, is where the conversations need to be open and transparent with what the schools can supply, compared to what the child and parents want (Sales and Vincent, 2018). Research by Sales and Vincent (2018) also pointed out that whilst there are certainly challenges facing learners due to the EHCP elements, further training needs in teaching staff as learners progress further through relevant courses and into work.
What a Good Plan does:
The vast majority of plans offer a tool for young people to engage with their peers and the educational system with the support needed to tackle the different barriers they face. That is why good plans are focused on the aspirations and views of both the family and young person. This gives the schools and providers goals to work towards to identify the strategies to help support the learners transitioning to different levels or goals they are striving towards. The long term focus should always be on allowing them to succeed and bringing career support and the local authority into the discussion. Conversations should be had around what all parties want to achieve. The learner can be supported by identifying barriers that may prevent them from reaching their goal and opportunities for alternative routes or solutions to these challenges. The other important step is the accountability facing the individuals involved in recognising what they are responsible for in the process, allowing them to succeed with the resources they need. In rural villages, whilst SEN, provisions can be provided at schools. Having family hubs where the resources come to the parents and families offering this contact point for the changing needs of the young person and offering the opportunity for consistency of a contact point as they grow into young adults.
What I am calling for:
A review of the process that allows for meetings between learning support, teaching staff and families. Whilst also providing an additional meeting with the individual learner to make the process more inclusive to their targets.
A goal setting plan for the learners is to ensure that the learner’s needs are met, and they are supported to achieve their goals and not just meet their provisions.
Better guidance for Academies, Families, Schools, and Trusts so that the process is easily referenced and supported. Although there is some fantastic support already out there, this must be uniformed and equitable.
Final Remarks:
The EHCP process and challenges facing our young people were just one of the reasons that brought me into politics. As a teacher, more support is needed for families going through this process. It is my view that this also disproportionately affects those in rural villages, such as those in the Cosford division (Narayan and Patnaik, 2020). So whilst this is a problem I have seen whilst teaching in both urban and rural areas, it is a cause I want to continue to push for improvements in. That is why I am calling for your support on the 6th of May as your Conservative County Council Candidate.
https://www.tes.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-ehcps
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachemnt/EHCP%20Exemplar%20Guide%202017.pdf
Sales, N. and Vincent, K., 2018. Strengths and limitations of the Education, Health and Care plan process from a range of professional and family perspectives. British Journal of Special Education, [online] 45(1), pp.61-80. Available at: <https://nasenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1467-8578.12202> [Accessed 25 April 2021].
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/695100/Education_Health_and_Care_plans_-_a_qualitative_investigation.pdf
https://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/362437/ctc-8-education_healthcareplans.pdf
Narayan, J. and Patnaik, N., 2020. Inclusive and Special Education Services in Rural Settings. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education,.
Resources for families needing support:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/extra-help-at-school/england/ehc-assessment
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/education-health-and-care-plans
https://www.valuingminds.com/education-health-care-plans-ehcp/
https://www.sen-help.org.uk/the-system/ehc-plans/
Care Homes and Monitoring
The continuance of a conversation with Tony Stowell addressing the importance of financing, monitoring and resourcing the care sector.
Introduction:
Continuing on from my conversation with Tony Stowell the recognition of the service that our care home staff provide to all ranges of residents from the young, the sick or the older individual their dedication has been deeply valued by the communities they work in. However, as I said in the previous article we do not want those who are not showing the strength of character of their peers reflecting purely on the sector.
Monitoring:
In terms of monitoring, both Tony and I spoke at length about the need for monitoring changes to reflect a tougher framework for investigation. We acknowledged that organisations will never be able to address stressors in the sector if they do not see this and the current framework will only put extra pressures on staff. Improving what monitoring and inspections teams are looking for will not address the issue if there are methods in place whereby management can demonstrate one area which may not be the true reflection of the organisation. This would easily be remedied by surprise visits and yes as with any inspection this would cause short term stress but when these visits are known about in advance it places additional pressures on staff and management to meet these needs. The second element needs to ensure that reports point out flaws but give a road map for improvement as with no clear areas for improvement that must be met. Now abstract targets are often difficult for organisations to make changes in, why is this? Because current systems of grading will remove public confidence, reduce funding which increases pressure which then promotes a vicious circle of a challenge for organisations and businesses and impacts the residents and staff the most.
Funding:
Once we solve the funding challenges for a care home we will be able to provide a more suitable method of retaining staff by allowing those within and joining the sector to have a solid and long term prospect of fair employment. That way we can ensure our vulnerable residents are getting the care they deserve and need as well as making sure that staff are provided with the correct resources to be able to do high quality of service for years to come. We want to ensure that the sector is able to deliver this and will do so in a way that allows it to develop into the future. Now part of the solution has to be in ensuring that we use our resources to the best of our ability and we can do this by making sure that as many individuals as possible can get the treatment in the right places and in the right way. This can be at home care where they receive the support of professionals who can either help repurpose the relatives home and offers provisions to ensure that the relatives are able to not only safeguard their family members but make sure that they can maximise their independence. If they are able to have their independence this will reduce the number of individuals in care homes reducing the pressure on the organisations. Thereby having a lower staff to resident ratio which then allows for a more specialised care regardless of the individuals circumstances the reduced financial pressure can also then allow for more training and development of staff. We can do more by restructuring how we see care as a supported service offering reviews of the individual’s profile and looking at what support can be provided to the individual to prevent an escalation of the provisions necessary without solely resulting in increasing the funding. Although as we see a rise in the ageing population we must ensure this sector sees all forms of support and measures established.
Fraud and Scams
The five of the core elements of fraud and how to protect yourself against them as well as recognising how to spot the signs of a scam.
In this article, I want to take you through some of the scams and frauds that are currently taking place across the UK. This article is paired with the video which walks through the different types of frauds and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Today I’ll take you through five different types and Wednesdays article will cover the remaining five common examples.
What types of frauds occur:
Romance, Holiday scams, Ticket, Email (Phishing, vishing and smishing) and investment.
Romance Fraud:
Romance fraud takes on the persona of a man or woman trying to groom the victim who genuinely believes the person on the other side of the account is interested in pursuing a relationship. The fraud comes from them impersonating often a real person using real content stolen from another individual’s social media accounts. These scammers then aim to make money from unsuspecting individuals for various needs of these fake personas. Now, this particular fraud has cost over fifty million and like other frauds is on the increase. How to protect yourself DATES: ensure you Don’t enter into an online relationship without getting to know the person behind the profile and the scammer will try to get you to know to influence you into sending them money by getting to know them this should be a two-way system. You can do this by Analysing their profile does their name come up in social media profiles or any particular red flags that appear such as they repeatedly use common themes. Talk think about whether what they are saying is true or whether they are too good to be true we all have our flaws and this is something that should be evidenced in conversations. Evade scams you should never be pressured to send your money or bank details regardless of whether it is for gifts or to help the individuals out. Stay on the different dating platforms this is more prevalent on social media whether the dating websites securities to identify the individual have not been done. Once you are ready meet them in person. This is also not just a problem that faces men sixty-three percent of Women suffer under romance scams as well.
Holiday Scams:
Holiday scams may increasingly become more of a problem as we look to reopen following lockdowns. So how can you be mindful that you do not get scammed and remember this can be both national and international scams. In terms of holidays whether you are purchasing a holiday home, a holiday or an overnight stay make sure that the prices are not significantly different from competitors this is not to deter you from bargains simply making you are aware to do your due diligence in areas which are significantly cheaper. Using recognised providers this includes new entrants who are competitors in the market provide you with safeguards against disingenuous fraudsters to give you more peace of mind. Whether this is tour operators such as British Airways, or brokers such as Air BnB. Warning signs would be poor spelling and shoddy grammar, incorrect addresses, no security on the website such as privacy policies.
Ticket Scams:
Now Ticket Scams can be broadly similar except they are often advertising for a particular event rather than a trip. This has two areas which are important to avoid supporting ticket touts or scalpers who buy tickets in bulk and stop this type of business which is very often not transferable to other patrons and therefore lines their profit leads events down on audience members and hits attendees hard. The scams can also be fake tickets either for a fake event or fake ticket been resold the best way to prevent this is to buy from the correct providers and ensure that you use more secure payments such as credit cards for an extra safeguard.
Phishing, Vishing and Smishing:
Although this is largely covered by the video to give you a summary of what you are looking for they are largely trying to pass themselves off as official organisations who would normally be in contact with you. Whilst they may well try to use contact you more personally unless your name is out in the media it is unlikely mass scams will try to do this. This is easier to spot when the address contains random letters and numbers in it and again do not click the links go through the traditional webpages available through search engines. Now Vishing when combined with phone number spoofing allows scammers to pretend to be legitimate organisations to either defraud you out of money or access your financial information. This is something that they can do through both in a more threatening manner using the police or prosecution as a threat or whether it be unlocking an account. Now Smishing is broadly similar but uses text messages instead where they will have spoofed your number and are chancing on opportunistically getting you to follow instructions and provide them with your bank details. The best thing to remember here is that banks will want you to call them rather than to put you at greater risk, these organisations will not ask for your personal details over text or send you links remember this and screenshot the message, then delete it and contact your bank or relevant organisation.
Investment Scam:
Now, these groups will have collected your information from lists of shareholders and will be trying to tie you to a deal there and then presenting you with an opportunity that you do not want to miss. Any firm should want you to do your due diligence even if the deal is good and they should have your interest at heart. The contact should not be unsolicited by the organisation it should not be a cold call, they should give you the opportunity to get back in contact with them. The investment is too good to be true.
This will be continued in a subsequent article hopefully this will help someone.
https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2019/10/31/dating-and-romance-fraud-in-the-uk-the-latest-statistics/
https://www.sussex.police.uk/romance-fraud
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2019/02/scam-alert-romance-fraud-victims-lose-50m/
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/general-advice/holiday-scams/
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/holiday.html
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jan/04/holiday-scams-travel-dangers-how-to-avoid-them
Community Activism: My Thoughts and Perspectives
Local activism and volunteering highlight the best that our communities have to offer. My personal account of what has motivated me to aspire to serve our community.
We have arguably never seen a greater call for volunteer support of community initiatives during this pandemic. We have seen countless people from a range of walks of life help their community out. They have contributed to the efforts against the coronavirus by helping man the test and trace centres and answering the call to jab back to normal. With the added pressure that these projects would have had on the front line national health service, we likely would not have seen such a successful role out. Now the altruism shown by these individuals is both something that should be hugely admired and appreciated. This has also shown us the strength of our communities. These volunteers underwent training programs and joined the front line alongside other key workers, our health care staff, teachers, police, firefighters, and the various other professions that have worked through the pandemic. Over the weekend, I was reminded again of the importance of activism within our local community. In this article, I want to highlight why we must celebrate the communities we build, whether online social networks, local groups and projects, or acts of individual activism.
Now, litter picks have been able to continue due to the ability to socially distance yet still achieve the group’s goals. We, as volunteers, were suitably guided through the event we arrived at Hitcham Village Hall car park. We then selected our routes around the village and were given our equipment so that the small group of around a dozen volunteers could cover the village itself and then return to the Village Hall following the hours’ activity. My route paralleled other volunteers alongside the community play area and finishing at the parish church. Many of us easily fill a bag load of rubbish with discarded items that had drifted into hedgerows off the footpath and roads. When I met up with fellow volunteers, the largest item we encountered was parts left over from a damaged car and discarded traffic cones. The general openness and pride that these volunteers had in their local area were echoed in new and established residents I was happy to do my small bit to contribute.
This wants to contribute lead to my reason to get into the educational sector prompting me to help the next generation of young people in the land-based field to not only grow but to develop within their local areas. I noticed through my years of teaching that whilst in my day job I was helping the next generation take their next steps in their careers the current processes that were in place were the same ones that I had dealt with when I was moving into higher education. Being the first member of my household to go to university my parents did not have all the answers and the schools had more general advice and this started me thinking about what more could be done. I set up a small group to support graduates and offer advice to college students sharing jobs in the local economy as well as informing them about internships and scholarships. This was because in my experience the reason many applicants are not aware of these resources is because of a lack of information whether that is about additional opportunities or more general knowledge about the next steps after their compulsory education ends. Now, whilst this group could solve some of the problems I became aware of other impacts such as learners leaving Suffolk to pursue careers and study away from the county as well as making sure that the strong support systems which were in place for learners were actually getting to those that were needed. This I could not resolve solely as a teacher as it involved working with various stakeholders from across different industries and specialisms now it has always been my view that you build progress through hard work and opportunity. This drew me to stand for the County Council so I could not only work to continue to improve our educational sector but also ensure that our communities grow with the next generation and are not left behind. I was proud to be selected to stand as the Conservative Candidate for Cosford as the rural communities that have such a significant heritage and sense of belonging deserve a candidate who will make sure that our community has the tools to succeed at whatever stage of life they are. My commitment to you is to build on the strong community spirit and pride in Cosford’s heritage. This is something at the heart of the Conservative Manifesto which is our promise to you to build back, stronger, better, and greener. So on the 6th of May, I ask that you vote to elect me, Jordon Millward as your County Councillor.
Aspirations for Animal Welfare Reform a Summary
A summary of what we should be looking at animal welfare reform by examining other top-performing countries. Austria and Switzerland are the two countries which outrank us. This is just an intro and not a comprehensive review but I will certainly look at creating one.
In this article, I want to touch on what elements of Animal Welfare reform that we should be advocating for, covering farm, and companion animals.
So when we look at Welfare Reform we need to recognise a suitable comparison between our laws and other countries which arguably have a better welfare standard then we do. Looking at the Swiss and Austrian systems. In the UK with our five animal welfare needs are the standards that we must hold people to account for the abuse of animals.
So what are these needs: Need for a suitable environment, Need for a suitable diet, Need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns. Need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals and the Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. These needs allow us to recognise the basic rights of the animal and what they require to be able to exist. This is furthered by are they able to meet the basic requirement of life as well as limiting suffering on the animal to ensure that they can behave in a normal way preventing abnormal behaviours which cause acute and prolonged suffering.
Now in terms of points where we can go further with Swiss and Austrian law provisions about freedom of an animals movement which could be arguably a move to prevent intensive farming in particular pigs who are kept in farrowing crates. This freedom of movement would protect them from a number of points that cause behaviour concerns and problems due to confinement. Now in intensive farming, it is arguable that whilst some farmers would argue confinement is necessary for the production of the animal associated products. Yet whilst Austria does still have clauses for this to allow farmers to use a form of confinement for safety reasons such as farrowing (when the sow has piglets) but generally speaking these limitations are vastly limited. Now carrying on with the farming point poultry are still getting the beaks trimmed which is a known area of suffering. The same arguably in areas that look at keeping calves with the heifer this is still recognisable as a form of suffering for the calf but it is something that can still be practiced. Both the Swiss and Austrian laws also mandate that they must see and be exposed to human interaction if it is deemed necessary. The three countries also recognise the need for animals to have suitable light exposure now all three make particular points for livestock with regards to light and this is something which is rightly protected. The other contentious issue is the exemption around religious slaughter many argue that any form of unnecessary suffering is overtly wrong. However, they specify that stunning is then done immediately following the ceremonious slaughter. This is something that is not required in other laws but does offer a way to protect the animal from prolonged suffering and although limiting the suffering further should be a goal this is a step in the right direction and easier to achieve than an outright ban. Laws around suffering looking particularly at pain and pain-causing circumstances as well as offering protection to selective invertebrates such as crustaceans and squid species. Now one area which certainly ranks lower across the board is animals used for draught and recreation which I will revisit in a later article.
In terms of the companion animal point, all three countries roughly meet the same standard of companion animal welfare. The main criticisms of all the items of legislation are as follows; Austria requires breeders to have a license to breed animals this would be something that if regulated correctly would reduce the advertising, of mass-produced litters and regulate the sale of young animals and banning on sales of animals. All of these limit the distribution of animals and would make criminal exploitation of these animals more difficult. This is something the Swiss and UK laws do not yet facilitate. UK provisions against mutilations for animals used in breeding is far more safeguarded in the UK which is a benefit to the animals as a whole. All countries arguably need to review how we control stray animal populations whether that be in the UK looking at how we rehouse animals that have been abandoned or in mitigating cat populations impact on wildlife. In the UK we arguably need to address the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 which is disputed globally as a poor method for protecting public safety and not euthanising animals unnecessary. All countries were also suggested to encourage a more sustainable pet ownership mechanism.
Now, this is only an introduction which is something which I aim to look at each point more specifically to revise a more apt system to protect our animals. We certainly should do more and elements of these laws can protect are animals from abuse which should then coincide with animal welfare legislation. Now this works is likely to make a series rather than a sole article which I will look at over the latter weeks. Please do look at https://api.worldanimalprotection.org to investigate which countries have stronger laws.
https://www.blv.admin.ch/blv/en/home/tiere/tierschutz.html
https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/endcruelty/changingthelaw/whatwechanged/animalwelfareact
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/animal-welfare_how-well-are-swiss-animals-protected-/45489148
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/religious-slaughter/europe.php#switzerland
https://thehumaneleague.org.uk/article/why-welfare
https://www.alaw.org.uk/the-law-as-a-driving-force-for-animal-welfare-reform/
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/228468611.pdf
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/animal-welfare/issues-paper
Pet Theft Reform
Pet Theft nationally is on the increase, action is needed to protect our pets and we need to recognise what the cause for the increase is as well as what progress is being made on reform. Together we can make an impact and safeguard our pets.
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/
Your County Council Candidate
I am delighted to introduce myself as your County Council candidate this page and website will give you an introduction to me within this article are my initial pledges to you.
Working for Communities and the Environment
Jordon Millward has been selected to stand as the Conservative candidate for the Cosford Division in next May’s County Council elections.
Jordon’s passion for animals and the environment led him to study for his undergraduate degree at Harper Adams University. He now teaches in colleges in Suffolk to pass on this knowledge and passion to the next generation.
His experience has helped him understand what it means to live and work in the countryside and the needs of rural communities. His time studying and working has informed his understanding of the balance between nature and the needs of the agricultural and rural communities.
Jordon is committed to ensuring that the next generation has a strong community connection to the land and the opportunity to thrive. As your County councillor, he will advocate on your behalf for strong educational provision, for an environment which is there for current and future generations, and for an economy which can support them.
Farming for the Future
Together we need to ensure that our rural landscape is fit for tomorrow and today. As your councillor, Jordon will work with farmers, landowners and countryside groups to ensure that our countryside continues to prosper and provide a biodiverse haven for wildlife for future generations. With his experience in the sector, Jordon will champion the work of the farmers, and support young people entering the industry including through promoting opportunities in our valuable County Council farms and estates.
A Voice for the Next Generation
It is crucial that we continue to develop educational provision in our communities. As your councillor, Jordon will be the voice for the next generation ensuring that young people of all abilities have the facilities and opportunities to thrive that they need. Jordon already works with schools and colleges on how to meet the needs of students with SEND.
SUFFOLK CONSERVATIVES HAVE DELIVERED
Suffolk County Council’s Conservative Administration has led the county’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting our most vulnerable residents during lockdown.
We have balanced sound financial management with caring for our most vulnerable residents – an approach that is needed more than ever in these unprecedented times.
Working with partners, we ran the successful Home But Not Alone phoneline and sourced and distributed PPE when it was in short supply.
We set up the Suffolk Advice and Support Line helping families facing hardship with debt advice, as well as with food and fuel vouchers, paying utility bills, buying school uniform, covering rent arrears and more. Call: 0800 068 3131 (weekdays 9am – 5pm)
Suffolk Conservatives lead the campaign on Climate Change with our promise to make the Council’s carbon neutral by 2030. We will plant over 100,000 trees, including healing woods in memory of those who died from Covid19, and will fund and promote town and village projects supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.
Between 2017 and 2021 we will have spent over £1billion caring for our most vulnerable children and adults. We are spending £45m building 800 school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with 200 places opened this year and three new SEND schools opening in the next two years.
We will set up a network of Family Hubs for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families.