Promoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of the Conservative Party, both at 4 Matthew Parker Street, London, SW1H 9HQ.

“Having callous thieves steal a much-loved pet is heart-breaking for families and it is deplorable that criminals seek to profit from this cruel crime.

“We are already taking action to combat such lawlessness by bolstering the police with 20,000 extra officers but this new taskforce will ensure we know how best to combat the driving forces behind this distressing crime and
clamp down on the perpetrators.”

Priti Patel
Home Secretary

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You shouldn't have to live in fear of pet theft. So we're tackling this cruel crime and clamping down on its perpetrators.

Reports of the cruel crime of pet theft is on the rise. And while recent police investigations into pet theft have resulted in numerous raids and arrests, more can be done.

That's why we have set up a new taskforce to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem. 

The taskforce will:

• work with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft
• consider the issue from end to end, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.
• make clear and timely recommendations on ways to reduce pet theft.

They will report on the findings and publish its recommendations this Autumn. The plans are part of the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare standards and take steps to end live animal exports and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices to be set out later this month.