DOG theft fear is on the rise after a spate of high-profile cases and North Yorkshire’s Crime Commissioner wants to hear the public’s views.

Julia Mulligan is inviting dog owners to complete a new national survey to better understand dog theft.

It comes after a spate of incidents led experts to believe criminals are exploiting the huge hike in prices and demand for puppies during the pandemic.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is now reviewing pet theft nationally and considering additional options for enforcement, including harsher penalties for offenders.

The survey will help find out how widespread the fear of dog theft is, and whether there is support for tougher enforcement.

Ms Mulligan said: “I know that dog theft is becoming more of a concern for many people after a series of high-profile incidents across the country so it’s important owners across North Yorkshire and York have their say in this survey.

“It is still not common, but its impacts can be devastating both for individuals and families whose dogs are part of the family and for farmers and rural businesses where dogs have play a crucial role in everything they do.”

The 60-second survey can be completed at /bit.ly/DogTheftSurveyNY by March 12.