Dog owners on the Yorkshire Coast are being invited to complete a new national survey to better understand dog theft.
The research comes after a spate of high-profile incidents nationally leading experts to believe criminals are exploiting the huge hike in prices and demand for puppies during the coronavirus restrictions.
Home Secretary Priti Patel is now reviewing pet theft nationally and considering additional options for enforcement, including harsher penalties for offenders.
The results of the survey, which is being co-ordinated by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, will help find out how widespread the fear of dog theft is, and whether there is support for tougher enforcement.
Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“I know that dog theft is becoming more of a concern for many people after a series of high-profile incidents across the country so it’s important owners across North Yorkshire and York have their say in this survey.
“It is still not common, but its impacts can be devastating both for individuals and families whose dogs are part of the family and for farmers and rural businesses where dogs have play a crucial role in everything they do.”
The 60-second survey can be completed at http://bit.ly/DogTheftSurveyNY and will be open until 17:00 on Friday 12 March.
North Yorkshire Police offer the following advice to dog owners to keep their pets safe.
- Ensure your pet is microchipped – if your dog runs off and it is found, you can be easily traced as its owner. If your dog is stolen, when it is taken to the vets, they will discover that the dog is chipped and you will be identified as its rightful owner.
- Don’t leave dogs unattended in the street, however small and friendly the community.
- Don’t leave them alone in a car – particularly when the weather starts to warm up.
- Ensure your garden is secure and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time.
- If you keep them outside, make sure your property and kennels are secure.
- Always keep them on a lead when walking near roads.
- Ensure your dog is fully trained to come back to you before you let it off the lead.
- Don’t allow your pooch to run free near roads or in built up areas.
- Don’t allow it to run free near farm animals.
- Don’t let it become a nuisance or danger to other people or animals.
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