Dog owners should be required to hold identity documents for their pets in a bid to combat theft, a police and crime commissioner has said.
Martin Surl, who is PCC for Gloucestershire, said the problem of dogs being stolen goes “far beyond the police” and needs tackling at an international level.
DogLost, a UK charity that helps victims of dog theft, recorded a 170% increase in the crime, from 172 dogs reported stolen in 2019 to 465 dogs in 2020.
Police chiefs warned that organised criminals have turned to dog theft as a rise in demand for puppies during lockdown meant increased profits from the illicit trade.
Police boss calls for dog identity documents to combat pet thefts
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Police boss calls for dog identity documents to combat pet thefts
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Police boss calls for dog identity documents to combat pet thefts
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Police boss calls for dog identity documents to combat pet thefts
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