MSP’s campaign on dog stealing law gathers support

A petition launched by a Conservative MSP to make dog stealing a specific offence has been signed by more than 1000 people.

North East MSP Maurice Golden is taking a bill through Holyrood to increase the punishment for people who steal dogs.

His member’s bill will enter the official consultation period next month, with almost all Holyrood parties expressing support for the campaign.

Now an online petition calling for the legislation change has attracted more than 1000 signatures.

As it stands, the abduction of a family pet is regarded alongside the theft of other household commodities.

Dog charities say that doesn’t give dogs the recognition in law they deserve, and under Dundee-based Mr Golden’s plans anyone convicted of dog theft could face five years in jail.

The new law would also improve data collection so police forces could accurately record how many dog thefts take place, what the detection and conviction rate is, and which breeds and geographical areas are worst-affected.

Charities estimate that dog theft increased by as much as 170 per cent during the pandemic as more families sought the companionship of pets.