Gloucestershire’s new police and crime commissioner has announced a prevention plan amid a rise in dog thefts in the county.

Figures obtained through a freedom of information request reveal Gloucestershire Constabulary recorded 20 dog thefts in the year ending March 31, up from 16 the previous year.

The data only reflect thefts reported to the police and, because pets are considered property in law, there is no standardised way for the Force to record the number of dog thefts.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: "My West Highland Terrier, Monty, is a member of the family. It would be hugely traumatic for him to be cruelly taken away from us, something thousands of people have faced over the last year.

"I'll be working alongside local MPs to seek either a change in sentencing guidelines or a change in the law. The judicial system needs to recognise the emotional value of our pets."

In his words, Mr Nelson’s five-step plan includes:

  1. Securing better data from police forces that specifically records pet theft going forwards, rather than just ‘property’ theft, so that I can establish the true scale of the problem. This will take time to implement, so I will also conduct a public survey to identify how much pet theft has already taken place.
  2. Police resources should be deployed to catch the organised gangs targeting our pets, my promise of 300 new officers for Gloucestershire will help with this.
  3. Dog theft should be a priority within our Regional Organised Crime Units.
  4. Improve public awareness of how to reduce pet vulnerability to criminals.
  5. I will work with our local MPs to seek a change in sentencing guidelines to ensure our judicial system recognises the emotional and social value of our pets, so that tougher sentences can be applied in our courts.  If that approach does not produce harsher penalties for pet theft, it may then be necessary to change the law.

Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie, who said: "Pet theft is on the rise and owners need to listen to police advice and take steps to ensure they are not a victim.

“Losing a pet in such circumstances is heart-breaking because it is often the loss of a family member. Many people are absolutely traumatised by their much-loved animal being stolen."

A petition calling on the Government to make dog theft a specific offence had garnered 316,500 signatures by its deadline on Thursday, May 20, meaning it is well over the threshold to be considered for debate in parliament.

The petition is calling for dog theft to carry an eight-year minimum sentence and a fine of at least £5,000.

The Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, which has long campaigned for reform of laws around pet theft, said it is pleased the issue "is being taken seriously" by the Government, after a taskforce was launched earlier this month.

CEO Debbie Matthews said: "Our pets are priceless, irreplaceable members of our families and the law should reflect this.

"Parliament must make the changes needed and make pet theft a specific offence in its own right, to give the courts access to appropriate custodial sentences to act as a deterrent, provide punishment and protect the public and their precious pets."