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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Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Featured Images - The Sheff (supplied)
News
The popular Manchester brunch spot serving all things viral is coming to Leeds
Clementine Hall
A brunch spot made famous across the pond is opening a site in Leeds.
If you're a fiend for all things brunch, then this news is going to get you a little bit excited.
Bruncho is known for its brunch dishes that have a real knack for going viral on social media, including New York-style breakfast rolls in croissant bread; fresh coconut water and matcha served in the coconut; and its innovative watermelon sandwiches.
Oh, and they also went viral for serving a Labubu French Toast...but we'll let the photos do the talking on that one.
Images: The Manc Group
They've currently got one site in Manchester city centre with one more almost ready to open its doors, and now they're making their way across the Pennines and opening their first Yorkshire cafe right here in Leeds. Aren't we lucky.
Announcing the exciting news to Instagram, Bruncho said: "We’ve been keeping a HUGE SECRET, but now it’s finally time to share… LEEDS CITY CENTRE WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!!
"Keep your eyes peeled on our socials, we’ll be announcing our opening date SOON!!"
Images: The Manc Group
With queues constantly forming at their cafe in Deansgate, Manchester - we're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
It's not the first brunch spot to make their way over, with Federal opening on Boar Lane earlier this year that has been packed out ever since.
We'll of course keep you in the loop with opening dates as and when we find out but for now, Bruncho we can't wait to welcome you to our city.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
