As a nation of animal lovers and in the face of the pandemic, I know that pets have been a source of great comfort and many people have enjoyed the companionship and other benefits of owning a pet for the first time.
That is why it was concerning to read reports in the media of a significant rise in cases of pet theft over the past year. My inbox has also been full of people concerned about the reported rise and I have read some truly heart-breaking stories about residents who have had their beloved pets stolen from them. As a pet owner myself, it worries me deeply.
In my role as Justice Secretary, I established a Pet Theft Taskforce to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem.
Stealing a pet is not the same as theft of an item of property, so I think it is right to look at a different type of offence such as “pet abduction” which can take the aspects of cruelty, suffering and loss to the owner more fully into account and which do not need elements such as dishonesty in order to prove the commission of the offence. The Taskforce will be reporting very soon on this and other issues relating to the care and protection of pets.
Many residents have been in touch with me asking for an update on my anti-social vehicle behaviour and speeding campaign.
I am pleased to report that a robust stance will be taken by Wiltshire Police against anti-social motorists at unlicensed car meets, which cause a nuisance and disturbance for our communities.
Wiltshire Police have commented that they are facing an increased demand on their service over the summer months, and they understand that car enthusiasts are keen to meet up with another now Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.
They will not however ignore the fact that some of these car meets are very anti-social and have a negative on our communities. Accordingly, Wiltshire Police have made it clear that they will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will be taking action against those who gather at these large-scale unlicensed events.
In further local news, Swindon Borough Council want to encourage as many residents as possible to take up walking or cycling in the months and years ahead. That is why they have put together a proposal to improve a number of cycling and walking routes across our town.
I would encourage as many people in Swindon as possible to read the proposals and share their thoughts on how the Council can improve our cycling and walking routes.
The deadline to make sure your voice is heard is 27th September.
You can read the proposals and share your thoughts here: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20019/consultations_engagement_and_surveys/1208/local_cycling_and_walking_infrastructure_plan.
Lockdown has left some of us carrying some extra weight and as a part-time runner, I cannot recommend Parkrun enough as a way of getting back into shape.
Whether you walk, jog, run or volunteer, the free 5km course offers our local community an opportunity to come together, enjoy Lydiard Park and get physically active at the same time.
Parkrun is held at Lydiard Park every Saturday at 9am. If you have not attended a parkrun before, make sure you register in advance via: www.parkrun.org.uk/lydiard/.
I look forward to seeing many of you there in the coming weeks and months.
