Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, met with Marie Franklin-Jones and local supporters to promote the One Big Bark Campaign which raises awareness of dog theft in the UK.
Gavin met with Marie to discuss the growing crime of dog theft, which can see dogs stolen to be sold on to new owners, or even to be used as bait dogs.
Gavin is highlighting Marie’s One Big Bark campaign, which seeks to spread the news about dogs that have gone missing and encourages residents to keep a look out for lost animals.
One Big Bark focuses on the use of social media to reunite missing dogs with their rightful owners. As well as emphasising the use of microchipping and ID Tags, the campaign is also pushing for higher penalties for thieves.
Founder of the One Big Bark Campaign Marie Franklin-Jones commented: “Across the UK, between 45 and 65 dogs are stolen every day. One Big Bark is hoping for media coverage to highlight this problem. We need preventative measures regarding theft in the first place, tougher sentencing and public awareness. Pets are our family, not a material object that can be replaced.”
Gavin said: “I am pleased to be able to support the campaigns of One Big Bark, and to raise awareness of the work that they do in our area, seeking help for those families who have been unfortunate enough to have a dog stolen. I am also taking this matter up with ministers at the Department for Justice to highlight the problem of inadequate sentencing for thieves and to call for tougher action to tackle this issue.”
For anyone wishing to learn more, One Big Bark will also be present at next week’s Midlands Fun Dog Day, which is due to take place at Chillington Hall on Sunday 12th June.