Boris Johnson s government is looking at tough punishments for thieves or people who abandon their pets.
The Prime Minister, 56, was revealed today to have taken up the cause amid fears many canines could suffer when people go back to work following months at home during lockdown.
His government s further intervention came on the day his former adviser Dominic Cummings is appearing before MPs, where he is expected to metaphorically maul Mr Johnson.
The criminal phenomenon of Dognapping soared during lockdown as people stuck at home were desperate for companionship.
Now plans to prosecute people under animal welfare laws instead of the Theft Act 1968 are being considered.
Boris Johnson promises ruthless crackdown on scourge of gangs stealing dogs after huge rise in thefts during pandemic
Demand for dogs during pandemic triggered huge rise in thefts, with some breeds fetching up to £4,000 each – four times pre-Covid prices
Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland has set up taskforce
PM said it would ensure criminal justice system is dealing properly with anyone so malicious as to steal a dog
BBC News We re not going to give up until we find my dad s dog
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Lucinda Jasper s father was walking his dog Ted on Cannon Hill Common in south-west London when he was violently attacked and Ted was stolen.
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Dog walkers are increasingly being targeted by violent criminals intent on stealing their high value pets to sell on for profit.
Demand for dogs has soared during the pandemic and police saw thefts increase by two thirds in the first lockdown.
But it is the increasingly violent nature of some of these crimes that is causing added concern.
Mike Jasper was walking his sprocker spaniel Ted when he was approached by a man who started questioning him about the animal.
He was then assaulted and his beloved pet was stolen. Advertisement Image: Ted the sprocker spaniel was stolen from Cannon Hill Common in south London