Harborough MP backs Government’s move to set up a new taskforce to combat soaring dog thefts

The Government’s move to set up a new taskforce to investigate and combat soaring dog thefts is being backed by Harborough MP Neil O’Brien.

The special unit will gather evidence and recommend measures to tackle and defeat the problem after the number of dogs stolen across Harborough as well as nationally has rocketed.

The taskforce will be led by Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland.

It will include officials from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Home Office and Ministry of Justice as well as the police.

Neil said: “I know this has been of serious concern to my constituents in Harborough.

“It is something I have raised with Ministers on the back of the concerns shared with me.

“So I very much welcome the establishment of this taskforce.

“We need to ensure the sentences reflect their abhorrent nature of the crime, of stealing someone’s cherished pet,” said the Conservative MP. “We are a nation of animal lovers and this can cause great distress to individuals and families, so this is a welcome step forward towards tackling the problem.

“I will be paying very close attention to this.

“I’ll be continuing to highlight the concerns of constituents on this, both nationally through the taskforce, and locally with our new Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews.

“He is also aware of this rising trend and very concerned by it as well.”