Following a "worrying" spike in pet theft across the UK during lockdown, pet abduction is now set to become a new criminal offense.
Whilst stolen animals are currently treated as little more than lost property, this is all set to change as an upcoming legislation change is to take into account the emotional distress caused by the theft of a pet.
According to messaging coming from the Westminster government, pet abduction will be categorised as a new offence: prioritising the welfare of the missing animal as well as giving police greater powers to enable them to track down offenders and follow incidents more closely.
The taskforce’s report said that the price for five of the UK’s most desirable dog breeds grew “significantly” / Imaget: Unsplash (Graham Holtshausen)
Whilst sentencing guidelines are yet to be finalised, it's previously been suggested that new jail times for the offence could be set at around 5 years.
The new proposed legislation has come from a string of recommendations that have been put forward to the government in a report by the pet theft task force, first set up in May of this year to tackle the alarming rise in pet theft incidents that occurred during the successive lockdowns of 2020.
The new advising body is comprised of government officials, police, prosecutors, and local authorities and has received evidence from After receiving evidence from animal welfare groups, campaigners, academics and other experts.
Speaking on the new legislation proposals, Chief Executive at the RSPCA Chris Sherwood said that the introduction of new legislation goes a long way towards acknowledging the "seriousness" of the crime.
The new proposed legislation has come from a string of recommendations that have been put forward to the government in a report by the pet theft task force / Image: Pixabay
“We hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves,” he added.
According to the task force, around 2,000 dogs were reported stolen last year and roughly seven in 10 pet thefts recorded by the police involved dogs.
“Pet owners shouldn’t have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime," said Environment Secretary George Eustice.
“Its recommendations will reassure pet owners, help the police to tackle pet theft, and deliver justice for victims.”
Featured Image - Flickr
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A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
