Following the UK Government’s announcement that it will make pet theft a specific offence in England, will the Minister confirm whether the Welsh Government plans to introduce a similar policy in Wales?
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd | Answered on 16/09/2021
Whilst a reserved issue under the Theft Act 1968, the Welsh Government is in discussions with the UK Government on their proposals, which have arisen from the report and recommendations from the Pet Theft Taskforce.
This Taskforce was created to consider, in detail, the issue from end to end, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.
My officials will continue to discuss the proposed UK Government’s new criminal laws and how we can collaborate to tackle this serious issue.