Average prices for puppies have surged during the pandemic, and thefts have rocketed 250 per cent since Covid beganPet thieves could face 7 years jail under new offence as dog nappings surge in pandemicPet thieves could face up to seven years jail under a new offence of dog napping. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland wants stiff penalties to deter organised crime from muscling in on the lucrative trade in stolen animals. Image: Getty) Getty)So he will accept a recommendation by the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce to create a new offence of Pet Abduction. But charity Blue Cross for Dogs says that should not include the animal’s name as thieves can lure it away by calling it. Half of police forces report a doubling in dog thefts.

Source: Daily Mirror August 07, 2021 21:33 UTC