Dog theft in Devon and Cornwall a "serious concern"
About 80 dogs are stolen every year across the two counties
Dog theft is "clearly a concern" for residents across the South West.
That is according to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, following a survey on the matter.
A total of 17,452 people from Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset responded to the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' national poll - the most responses out of any other area outside London and the South East.
According to the results, more than three-quarters of dog owners said they were more scared of walking their pets because of the heightened risk that it would be stolen.
Of the 124,729 people who responded to the national online survey an overwhelming majority said dog theft was a "serious problem" and thieves should face stiffer sentences.
The survey comes amid growing evidence that dogs have become a target for criminals.
DogLost, a UK charity that helps victims of dog theft, recorded a 170% increase in the crime, from 172 dogs reported stolen in 2019 to 465 dogs in 2020.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, said the response she had to the survey had been "significant".
In Devon and Cornwall about 80 dogs are stolen a year and there is some evidence that there has been an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'd like to thank all those who took the time to tell me their views on this issue. The fact that we have had such a response from our region to this survey tells me this is a serious concern for our communities.
"At the moment pets are treated in the eyes of the law like any other possession. Tougher sentences for dog thieves would send the message that for most people companion animals are far more than that - they are part of the family.
"Since launching the survey I have heard from many dog owners who are frightened that they will have their animals stolen. This tells me more needs to be done."
The key findings from the survey are:
- 97% said that dog theft is a serious problem
- 22% have had a dog stolen or knew someone who had over the last year
- 79% of people to whom the question was applicable said they had grown more fearful of taking their dog for a walk during the day
- 83% have grown more fearful of taking their dog for a walk at night
There was also strong support for changing the law to reflect the emotional impact of having a pet stolen.
At present, dog theft is not defined as a specific crime, with dogs classed as 'property' under the Theft Act 1968.
If caught, the penalty for stealing pets is generally a small fine or suspended sentence, with the Pet Theft Reform campaign reporting that in recent years only 1% of dog theft crimes have led to a prosecution.
According to the survey, 87% said that where pets provide their owner with companionship, sentencing guidelines should reflect this and disagreed that the theft of a pet should be categorised under property theft.
The Home Secretary has said in recent media interviews that she will review pet theft, with potentially tougher penalties for perpetrators.
The survey, the largest ever conducted by PCCs and led by Sussex PCC Katy Bourne, will be used to help shape police recording and response to dog theft and could also influence how the crime is defined.
The 14-question survey was conducted online via Survey Monkey and ran for three weeks from February 19 to March 12.