Andrew Mitchell MP has added his name to an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill regarding the issue of pet theft.

New Clause 16 would strengthen the existing laws on pet theft ensuring that those found guilty of stealing a pet would face imprisonment and/or a substantial fine. The new clause also stresses the importance of factoring in aggravating factors which would increase sentencing, including the stress caused to both the pet and owner and whether financial or commercial gain was a motive.

Pet thefts have increased since the Covid 19 pandemic began. DogLost, a charity helping dog theft victims, dealt with 465 cases in 2020, up from 172 in 2019.

Commenting Andrew Mitchell MP said: “I know that many Suttonians are deeply worried about a rise in pet theft and we have seen some worrying reports in recent months about attempted dog thefts in the Royal Town. As a dog owner myself this issue is close to my heart, my Welsh Springer Spaniel Scarlet is very much a member of my family and it would be unthinkable if anything happened to her.

I am keen to support efforts to toughen the penalties for those involved in pet theft. New Clause 16 is an important amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and I believe that it will garner cross-party support when the Bill returns to the Commons next week.”