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Home secretary pledges to introduce tougher pet theft measures
According to charity DogLost, reports of pet theft have increased by 170 per cent.

Government 'in talks' to curb recent rise in thefts across UK.

The Kennel Club has welcomed a commitment from the home secretary, Priti Patel to introduce stricter penalties for pet theft.

In an interview with LBC Radio, Ms Patel said she was in talks about upgrading pet theft to a more serious offence, in light of the recent rise in estimated thefts resulting from an increased demand for pets during lockdown.

The charity DogLost, recently revealed that reports of pet theft have increased by 170 per cent in the last year, from 172 dogs in 2019 to 465 in 2020, and the police are urging owners to take extra precautions to protect their pets.

Head of public affairs at The Kennel Club Dr Ed Hayes said: “We’re delighted that the Home Secretary has recognised the devastating effects of pet theft and the need for reform, especially in the current climate where demand for dogs is sky-high and criminals are cashing in.

“Currently the theft of a dog is treated no more seriously than the theft of a mobile phone, despite the utter heartbreak it causes, making it a low-risk crime as well as a profitable one.

“We have always been in favour of tougher sentencing and stronger penalties for pet theft and especially in the current climate, we would urge the Government to take swift action, recognising the emotional value of pets and impact on their owners’ lives and increasing penalties accordingly.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.