This Morning: Expert discusses dog thefts in the UK

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Patsy, a 12-week-old black Labradoodle, was being walked by her owner along Leigh Canal in Wigan at around 5pm on Monday. They were reportedly approached by two men on bikes and the puppy was stolen at knifepoint.

A Facebook group set up to find Patsy says her family have been left “heartbroken”.

The post adds that the puppy will be “confused and terrified”.

They are urging people to share the group to make the Labradoodle “too hot to handle”.

The post says: “Patsy was STOLEN AT KNIFEPOINT whilst being walked along Leigh Canal on 6th September 2021.

“Her family are heartbroken.

“Patsy is only 12 weeks old and will be confused and terrified.

“Please share to make this baby too hot to handle.”

Patsy is microchipped and people are being urged to report any sightings to the police or the council dog warden.

It comes as pet abduction is to be made a criminal offence under Government plans to crackdown on dognappers.

Theft of a pet is currently treated the same as a loss of property but ministers want to change the law so it reflects the emotional distress it causes.

The proposal is one of a number of recommendations made in a report by the Government’s pet theft taskforce, which was set up in response to spiralling pet theft during the pandemic.

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It is hoped the plans will help police crackdown on criminals, make it easier for officers to track such incidents and make it harder for thieves to steal and sell pets.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves.”

Diane James, from the Blue Cross, added: “We hope changes to sentencing laws are brought in swiftly but would still advise owners to continue to be vigilant and follow advice to prevent becoming a victim of this abhorrent crime.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Greater Manchester Police.

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