Minimum 5 year mandatory prison sentence for animal theft
The Issue
In 2014 pedigree dog theft rose by 15%. With 12,000 reported stolen or missing. Figures from 23 police forces show there were only 98 arrests for dog thefts last year. Of that number there were only 40 prosecutions and just 12 convictions, showing the low priority for the crime. While general theft i.e. a car carries a maximum sentence of seven years and the average is just over nine months, pet groups claim most dog thieves end up with cautions, fines or community service. It is no deterrent.
If sentencing were tougher the crime rates would go down and our beloved animals and heartbroken owners would not have to experience enormous distress. Pets are family members. Support a minimum of 5 years prison time with no community service option for animal thieves.
The Issue
In 2014 pedigree dog theft rose by 15%. With 12,000 reported stolen or missing. Figures from 23 police forces show there were only 98 arrests for dog thefts last year. Of that number there were only 40 prosecutions and just 12 convictions, showing the low priority for the crime. While general theft i.e. a car carries a maximum sentence of seven years and the average is just over nine months, pet groups claim most dog thieves end up with cautions, fines or community service. It is no deterrent.
If sentencing were tougher the crime rates would go down and our beloved animals and heartbroken owners would not have to experience enormous distress. Pets are family members. Support a minimum of 5 years prison time with no community service option for animal thieves.
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Petition created on 1 July 2015