Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Julian Sturdy and Simon Baynes

Monday 18th October 2021 Commons Chamber

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

2. What steps her Department is taking to implement the findings of the pet theft taskforce.

[Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con)]

5. What steps her Department is taking to implement the findings of the pet theft taskforce.

[The Minister for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse)]

I start by associating myself with the remarks of the Home Secretary on James Brokenshire, who I worked with over the last 15 years on all manner of subjects. He was a lovely man and a pleasure to know.

It is poignant to realise that Sir David would have spotted the subject of these two questions and, given his long interest in animal welfare, should in any just world be bobbing behind me now to ask a question.

Stealing a pet from its loving owner is a particularly cruel crime, causing heartbreak for the family and great distress to the pet. The Home Office is working with the police to ensure that pet thefts are recorded in a consistent manner and are readily identifiable within the information management systems of forces across England and Wales. The pet theft taskforce has recently made a series of recommendations, which we are considering, and we will introduce a new criminal offence of pet abduction.