By Kira Gibson
Neighbourhood Watch in Leicester has today launched a social media campaign for protecting pets.
The campaign is called ‘PROTECT YOUR POOCH’ and will run online from today (May 17) till May 30.
It has been set up in response to the ever-growing worries of pet theft in Leicestershire.
The campaign aims to make pets “SECURE, IN SIGHT and SEARCHABLE” and to make pet theft a specific criminal offence.
Along with emails being sent regarding the campaign, people are asked to share posters and social media posts regarding the campaign to raise awareness and encourage others to sign a petition or contact their local MP.
On May 27 at 5pm there will be a dog theft webinar held by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne about the campaign and why it is needed.
The Sussex PCC conducted a survey of 124,729 people and of those surveyed, 22 per cent have either had a dog stolen or knew someone who had their dog stolen.
According to the Pet Reform campaign, only one per cent of all cases of dog theft in recent years have led to a prosecution.
The campaign looks to change the current restrictions on dog theft, as they are currently classed as ‘property’ under the Theft Act 1968.
To find out more about the campaign, please go to www.ourwatch.org.uk/protectyourpooch or click here to sign the petition.
