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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.