Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP raised concerns about the impact of pet theft, citing discussions with Home Secretary and Lord Chancellor on this issue.
What discussions has he had with the Home Secretary on reducing dog thefts?
I recently met the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor in March to discuss pet theft. Officials from across the three Departments have been tasked with developing solutions, and a pet theft taskforce has begun work drawing together available data and evidence.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific outcomes or commitments on reducing dog thefts were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Cats Protection reported a threefold increase in cat theft since 2015. This issue causes significant distress to pet owners.
Will the Secretary of State confirm that the Government will back my amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which deal with pet theft and introduce tough sentences for those whose actions devastate so many families?
The Government acknowledges the increase in reports of pet theft, though from a relatively low base. They are reviewing this area of law and established a taskforce. Aggravated offences can already face up to seven years' imprisonment.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific backing for amendments was not confirmed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Theft of pets is seen as a different type of crime due to emotional distress caused to owners.
Will the Secretary of State accept that this is a different sort of crime to normal theft, requiring specific and tougher penalties?
The current sentencing guidelines consider aggravated offences with emotional distress, allowing up to seven years' imprisonment. The taskforce is examining this issue further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific new penalties were not committed to
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need for tougher sentences in animal cruelty cases, including those involving pet theft.
Can we have five-year sentencing for animal cruelty and link dog theft to the legislation in the next Parliament?
The bill increasing the maximum penalty for animal cruelty is nearing completion with a high degree of confidence it will pass before the end of the Session.
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Assessment & feedback
Linking dog theft to legislation was not confirmed
Response accuracy