Scottish MP launches dog theft consultation
Recent estimates suggest dog theft soared by 170 per cent during lockdown.
The public are being asked to participate in a consultation on proposals to make dog theft a specific crime in Scotland.
Dog theft is currently regarded as no different to stealing an inanimate object, like a mobile phone. Campaigners say this matters because that status is often reflected in the police recording of the crime, the conviction and the sentence.
Under the Proposed Dog Abduction (Scotland) Bill - announced by Maurice Golden MSP on Monday (24 October) – a court will be required to consider the emotional and welfare impact on dogs and their owners. The police will also be obliged to record dog abductions as a standalone crime, separate from property theft.
A consultation paper for this new Bill outlines the aims of the proposed legislation, the current law and contains the assessment of various animal charities. It also takes a look at what is happening elsewhere in the UK and overseas.
Mr Golden, a Scottish Conservative and Unionist Part member, said: “Because dogs are classified as objects, the data on dog theft is very poor. But one recent estimate suggests it has skyrocketed by 170 per cent during lockdown – as demand for pets increased amongst lonely people stuck inside their homes.
“My new law will help deal with that surge in dog thefts – it will help catch and punish the criminals responsible, improve the data we have to prevent future theft and make sure the law recognises dogs as living beings. And hopefully, we might even be able to help reunite more owners with their beloved pets.”
The proposals have received the backing of MSPs from all political parties in Scotland, and a number of major animal welfare charities have lent their support to the campaign.
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said it would “fully support” the proposals, while the chief executive of Dogs Trust in Scotland said: “We strongly welcome Maurice’s bill to introduce a new dog theft offence in Scotland.”
The consultation runs for 12 weeks until 16 January 2023. Further details, including the consultation document, are available at parliament.scot
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
