Tory MSP launches new Bill to ensure dog thieves are ‘dealt with severely’

The Conservative MSP behind a new Bill which could see those who steal dogs jailed for up to five years has insisted criminals who take a family’s pet should be “dealt with severely”.

MSP Maurice Golden has introduced a member’s Bill to Holyrood which aims to make the theft of a dog a statutory offence.

Speaking as he launched the new Bill on a visit to Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home, the Tory insisted that having a precious pet taken was “often the most devastating thing that can happen to a family”.

But he stated: “As it stands, the law does not adequately recognise the status of dogs in family households, nor the place they occupy in our hearts.

“They are considered a mere commodity and, when criminals who steal them are caught, the punishment often reflects that.

“But dogs are worth so much more, and this is the chance for Scotland to give them that recognition.”

Mr Golden added: “Dogs are our best friends, and deserve better protection than the current system offers them.”

His Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, which proposes jail sentences of up to five years for those convicted, will now be scrutinised by MSPs on Holyrood’s Rural Affairs Committee.

If passed by MSPs, Mr Golden hopes it could become law before the end of this year.

He said: “With ownership having risen since the pandemic, animal welfare charities believe the rate of theft has also shot up, in some cases by as much as 700%.

“That requires action now.”

The Tory MSP continued: “The criminals involved in these thefts are often linked to serious organised crime, and they need to be dealt with severely.

“Stiffer sentencing will also act as a deterrence, showing would-be thieves that stealing a dog simply isn’t worth the risk.”

Backing the Bill, Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, the chief executive of Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home, said: “Sadly, we understand all too well how heartbreaking it is for an owner to have their dog stolen and not know what to do next.

“We’re delighted to support this Bill as a critical change in recognising how serious this crime is, and the devastating impact it has on our communities.”

Asked about the legislation in Holyrood, community safety minister Siobhian Brown said: “The Scottish Government notes the Bill has been introduced, and we will consider carefully the content of the Bill.”

She told MSPs courts already have “wide discretion” when sentencing offenders, saying: “This includes taking into account the harm arising from a dog theft, such as the impact on the dog’s health and wellbeing, as well as the distress caused to the owner.”