Pet theft could become a crime in its own right that carries a two-year jail sentence under plans to change the law.
Labour justice spokesman David Lammy yesterday tabled an amendment to the policing Bill to make it a separate offence following a rise in dognapping.
Should the amendment receive cross-party support and pass, the Government would be required to introduce the law.
One dog, three-year-old sprocker spaniel Ted, was taken in December while being walked in South London
The Government is already looking at increasing penalties for those who steal pets and sell them on for commercial gain and changes are expected to be announced shortly.Home Secretary Priti Patel has launched a task force.
New rights for crime victims
Victims of crime are to be told when an offender leaves prison as part of a new code in England and Wales. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the Victims’ Code offered a “simplified and stronger set of rights”. It also ensures access to extra information and support, such as enabling victims of rape to choose the gender of their police interviewer. The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Vera Baird QC, said it represents a “positive step forward for victims”.
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Calls for assisted dying reform
One of the UK’s leading brain surgeons has said that an inquiry into assisted dying is “absolutely essential”. Henry Marsh, who has advanced prostate cancer, is backing a group of more than 50 MPs and peers who have written to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland arguing the UK’s laws on assisted dying have fallen behind the rest of the world. Presently, assisting a suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.
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Assisted dying inquiry essential, top surgeon says
One of the UK s leading brain surgeons, who has advanced prostate cancer, has said an inquiry into assisted dying is absolutely essential .
Henry Marsh, a retired neurosurgeon and bestselling author, received his diagnosis six months ago.
He has supported a call by politicians for the government to hold an inquiry.
The Care Not Killing alliance, which opposes assisted dying, said the law protected the vulnerable from being pressured into ending their lives .
Mr Marsh is backing a group of more than 50 MPs and peers who have written a joint letter to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, arguing the UK s laws on assisted dying have fallen behind the rest of the world.
Workers Revolutionary Party
Banner of Adam Rickwood who was only 14 when he was found hanged in his cell in Hassockfield Secure Training Centre after being hit on the nose â â an unlawful use of forceâ said his inquest jury
Members of the House of Commons Justice Committee are âshocked and appalledâ by the treatment of children at a privately run detention centre in Northamptonshire, they say in a report published on Monday.
They have called on the Ministry of Justice to consider taking back direct control of the Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre unless the private company currently in charge, MTC, makes substantial improvements.