A POLICE survey - open for Barnsley residents to get involved with - is seeking views on dog theft across the borough.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), alongside Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, has released a national survey to try and determine how best to tackle dog thefts - which have seen a rise across Barnsley in recent months.
The online survey is designed to understand the public’s perception of dog theft, enforcement, and the prosecution of offenders.
The survey includes a question seeking views on whether dogs should be treated in law merely as property when they are stolen.
Having a common understanding of how the public feels about this issue will help inform discussions, as well as allow police forces to better understand the public’s views.
Katy Bourne said: “Pet theft, dog theft in particular, is a growing concern for the public and their fear has been perpetuated over the last couple of weeks with shocking reports in the media of more dogs being snatched by criminals.
“I am incredibly eager to get more detail around this issue and understand residents’ views and if they feel more could be done to respond to their concerns or for more preventative measures to be put in place to better protect their pets.”
The survey closes on tomorrow. Click here to take part.
