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Government taskforce to tackle surge in pet theft
Google searches for 'Buy a Puppy' rose 166 per cent between March and August, following the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Taskforce will investigate the causes of pet thefs and how to reduce them.

Environment secretary George Eustice has announced a new UK-wide taskforce to tackle the recent surge in pet theft.

Sales platforms have reported a considerable spike in puppy and kitten prices over the pandemic, with more people looking to buy or adopt a pet, and reports suggest this has led to an increase in pet theft. 

Figures released by DogLost show that the price of the UK’s most sought-after breeds soared as much as 89 per cent during the first lockdown. Google searches for ‘Buy a Puppy’ also rose 166 per cent between March and August, following the start of the first lockdown. 

The new Pet Theft Taskforce will consist of government officials from Defra, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the police. It will also seek input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields.

Its members will work together to investigate why pet theft is on the rise, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution. They will also make ‘clear and timely recommendations on ways to reduce pet theft’. 

 “Pets are much-loved members of the family, and these reports will be distressing for all pet owners, commented environment Secretary George Eustice. “Pet owners shouldn’t live in fear, so we’ve set up this Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the issue and ensure that we have the measures in place to stop these criminals in their tracks.”

Home secretary Priti Patel added: “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.”

The taskforce aims to report on the findings and publish its recommendations in the autumn of this year. 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.