Evidence
Pet Theft Reform is the only evidence-based campaign dedicated to making pet theft a specific offence with access to appropriate custodial sentences in England and Wales.
Pet theft is currently a lucrative crime with minimal repercussions. At the moment, our pets are only protected under the Theft Act 1968, in which they are categorised in the same way as your mobile phone. We don't think this is good enough!
Since 2018, Dr. Daniel Allen has been spearheading research into the realities of pet theft and the emotional trauma experienced by its victims.
You can read more about our team of talented researchers here.
Following the rise in demand for new pets during the pandemic, and with it the considerable increase in puppy and kitten prices, reports suggest that this may have led to the rise in pet thefts.
Responding to public concern, in May 2021 the Pet Theft Taskforce was created to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem.
As the leading authority on data evidence for pet theft, Pet Theft Reform was invited to present evidence to the Taskforce, providing key insights into the nature and extent of this heartbreaking crime.
In September 2021, the Taskforce published its recommendations on how to effectively tackle and prevent pet theft in England and Wales.
Read the full report here
DOG THEFT UP,
CONVICTIONS DOWN
In 2017, dog theft crimes rose 11.43% to 1842 from 1559 in 2015 but court charges related to dog theft crimes decreased with 64 (3.97%) in 2015 to only 39 (2.11%) in 2017
2019 Pet Theft Reform research
Our Research Aim
The aim of our research is to help build an ‘evidence base’ to inform the development of the policing and wider response to dog theft in the UK.
The full extent and nature of pet theft is still not clear as there are a range of limitations associated with how police and local authorities record and collate information.
Our research uses a range of data sources to analyse the extent of dog theft, identify trends and patterns across the UK and the impact of this heartbreaking crime.
By bringing together a range of different data sources, we can build up a clearer picture of the problem across the UK and work with the Government to put in place more effective preventative measures.
We need your help to make real change.
"Pet Theft Reform is about family . With victims at the heart of the campaign, we recognise the importance of the human-animal bond, the devastating impact that animal abduction has on people and pets, and the need for pet abduction as a specific offence. Through evidence-based campaigning and collaboration, this cruel crime will be taken seriously." - Dr. Daniel Allen
