North Yorkshire police commissioner candidates ready for polls opening

Exhausted pet dog is back after going missing for five days in the villages of North Yorkshire

Conservative candidate Philip Allott, who met the Home Secretary Priti Patel MP and Julian Sturdy MP at the Red House Kennels and Cattery near York last week to discuss the isssue, says it's a crime that many pet owners have been frustrated by not being taken seriously when their family pets are snatched or vanish.

Demand for dogs as pets has increased during the coronavirus pandemic.

The cost of some puppies, on Pets4Homes, is currently as high as £3,000, making them a valuable commodity to criminals.

According to Dog Lost, the UK's largest lost and found dog service, it is estimated thefts have risen by 250 per cent, with criminal gangs involved.

Non-specialist breeds of dogs can fetch well over £2,000, while those in great demand such as French bulldogs can sell for more than £5,000. A litter can fetch £35,000.

Pet theft, dog theft in particular, is a growing concern for the public and their fear has been perpetuated over the last couple of weeks with shocking reports in the media of more dogs being snatched by criminals.

Many pet owners have been frustrated by the lack of engagement by some police forces who have treated dog thefts as low priority.

Conservative candidate Philip Allott said he discussed the matter last week with the Home Secretary by Zoom. - along with other Conservative candidates and Police Commissioners.

Mr Allott said he supports making dog theft a specific criminal offence and also wants one standard database accessible to vets and law enforcement agencies to support collaborative working.

While there is a requirement to microchip, the databases are held by a number of non-related bodies. Existing databases do not speak to each other, making it easier for dognappers to get away with their crimes.

Following the representation, the Home Secretary said she recognised the devastating impact of this crime and is now considering how to implement more robust actions against the perpetrators.

Currently, whilst the theft of a dog is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, the same act covers stolen cars, artwork, mobile phones, and many other objects.

The Covid epidemic has meant people are relying on pets as a source of companionship now, more than ever.

Mr Allott said he agreed with many dog owners who believe their pets should not be treated as an object and the status of dogs should now be upgraded.

But Labour's PFCC candidate Alison Hume said pet theft was a crime that "devastates families" and the Government needed to do much more as a matter of urgency.

Alison Hume said: "I’m very surprised by the statement from North Yorkshire Police who say the county is not suffering from a spate of dog thefts. Just last week a dog owner sustained minor injuries when someone tried to snatch his dog.

"You only have to look at social media to see this wasn’t an isolated incident.

"I have a rescue dog and where I live, myself and other neighbours who own dogs have found unusual blue chalk marks left on the pavements outside our houses.

"We think our homes have been identified and targeted by thieves who are looking to make money by stealing people’s pets. We’ve also noted unusual vans that are cruising the area.

"This is a crime that devastates families and needs addressing now. It’s no use to anyone for the Home Secretary to say she’ll ‘look into changing the law’ or for the incumbent PFCC to be running an online survey.

"This crime has increased as a direct result of lockdown and a spike in demand for companion pets.