“We are definitely looking into what kind of measures can be put in place in terms of the criminality, because obviously that is the piece that sits with me, not the sentencing, what we might be able to do in laws to absolutely go after these individuals that are stealing pets and making money out of this.”
Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “During the coronavirus pandemic, criminals have adjusted their activities and are taking advantage of the big demand for pets over the lockdown period.
“The cost of a puppy has considerably increased over the past year, making this a lucrative market for organised criminals to exploit.”
The Kennel Club (KC) said less than five percent of animal thefts result in a criminal conviction.
