Jail Time for Dognapping

I didn’t realise that currently, pets are simply classed as property and dog theft isn’t a specific crime. Sad really as most pet owners would say their pet is a much loved member of their family.

I didn’t realise it wasn’t a thing either - should definitely be harsher penalties - maybe that’s why they’re doing it! A dog is a living creature not the same as a bottle of vodka out the corner shop

Of course it’s a crime and should be treated very seriously. If you’re a true dog lover you know it’s like having a kid. Anyone stole my dog I would act like I would if someone stole my child.

I don't own a dog but can well imagine the distress caused by having your dog stolen.

In a similar vein I feel a law needs to be introduced to combat dog on dog attacks after reading of a poor woman who had her beloved collie savagely attacked and killed by two vicious dogs. The owner got off scot free because it is not a crime for a dog to kill another...........but if someone owns dogs that vicious what is to stop it being a child next time?

Stick them in clink straight away.

There's been three 'traveller' sites that have been raided recently in our area with 100's of dogs being rescued.

We live in a cul-de-sac, but I can't leave him out on his own because there's been pikeys robbing dogs in the area.

If Harvey was taken, I don't know what I'd do.

I support this. Pets are a part of the family for most people, so it would be very traumatic if your pet was stolen. People who do this should face harsher punishment, they should go to jail.

It’s about time! Dognappers only keep doing it because the punishment is rubbish.

I worry about my daughter walking our neighbours dog she not allowed to do it on her own anymore we need bigger deterrent

Up to two years in jail! That seems a backward step - the current maximum sentence for stealing a pet is seven years imprisonment, and if threats, violence or force is used to steal a pet (making it robbery) the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

New laws are not required - enforcing the current ones would IMO be better.

We've had a lot of dogs being stolen in our town, they've even been posing as dog wardens and putting one of those removable stickers on a van!!! The theives have been marking garden gates to remember where a dog is!

This should have been done a long time ago. It's theft and can cause a lot of distress for pet owners.

I would take someone's head off if they tried to take my dog, he is like a child to us

Yes it needs dealing with. In my area there are loads of dog thefts at the moment. Dogs either being stolen in people's gardens or whilst out walking your dog. Makes me nervous taking my dog out alone.

The problem around here is that the police don't want to deal with the people doing the thefts. Everyone in the area knows exactly who's doing them.

Look at this poor woman, absolutely heartbroken.

https://twitter.com/JaneFallon/status/1385980102085947392?s=19