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'Low conviction rate' for dog thefts in Wales
cocker spaniel
According to DogLost, there is a 15 per cent annual rise in dog thefts across the UK.
FOI request reveals 3 per cent of cases result in charges

In the past five years, just 3 per cent of dog thefts in Wales have resulted in a prosecution, according to figures obtained by BBC News from three of the four Welsh police forces.

Figures acquired through a freedom of information (FOI) request show that between 2010 and February 2015, over 520 dogs were reported stolen but only 15 were charged.
  • South Wales Police dealt with 239 reported dog thefts, resulting in five people being charged.
  • North Wales Police had 172 reported thefts, with nine people charged.
  • Dyfed-Powys Police had 114 thefts and one person was charged.
  • Gwent Police had 38 dog thefts between 2012-14 but did not have information on how many people were charged.

According to the FOI statistics, working dogs such as lurchers and cocker spaniels, are the most common breeds stolen in Wales, alongside 'fashionable' breeds including Chihuahuas and French bulldogs.

The four police forces told BBC News that dog thefts are treated very seriously and further action will be taken if there is sufficient evidence. North Wales Police said compulsory microchipping of dogs, due to come into place in April next year, will help.

DogLost, a service which helps owners search for their missing dog, warns that thefts are on the rise. The group told BBC News it has seen a 15 per cent annual rise in crime across the UK.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.