The Scottish Parliament has unanimously supported plans for a new law making dog theft a specific crime, with offenders facing up to five years in prison. This move by Conservative MSP Maurice Golden aims to tackle the emotional harm caused by stealing pets and boost prosecution rates in Scotland.
Key Details of the Proposed Law
The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill sets out clear rules to treat dog theft as its own offence, separate from general theft laws. Under current rules, dogs count as property, but Golden argues this fails to capture the deep pain owners feel when their companions vanish.1 The bill promises tougher action, especially for stealing assistance dogs, which would count as an aggravated crime needing harsher penalties.
This legislation would let victims share personal stories in court about how the theft affected their lives. It also pushes the government to track dog theft numbers each year and review the law after five years to see if it works.2 Such steps could help build better data, since Police Scotland does not now collect specific stats on these cases, making it hard to spot trends or hot spots.
Experts like those from Dogs Trust praise the bill for matching the real impact on families, where a stolen dog often feels like losing a family member.3 Yet, not everyone agrees. Some lawyers point out that existing theft laws already allow up to five years in jail, so a new rule might just add paperwork without real change.
Surge in Dog Thefts Across the UK
Dog thefts jumped during the pandemic as more people got pets for comfort, leading to a black market boom. In 2021, estimates hit 2,760 cases UK wide, and even in 2024, around 1,808 dogs went missing, or five each day.4
In Scotland, exact figures stay fuzzy without dedicated tracking, but reports suggest hundreds of cases yearly, often tied to organized groups selling dogs online or for fights.5 This rise mirrors broader crime shifts, like how remote work left homes empty longer, giving thieves easy chances. Recent talks in Parliament highlighted links to gangs, much like how car theft rings operate.
To show the trend, here is a table of UK dog theft estimates over recent years:
| Year | Estimated Thefts | Return Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,760 | 20% |
| 2024 | 1,808 | 20% |
| 2025 | Over 2,000 | 6-25% |
These numbers come from insurance data and police reports, underscoring why Scotland needs focused action now.5
How It Compares to England’s Pet Law
England and Northern Ireland rolled out the Pet Abduction Act in August 2024, covering both dogs and cats with the same five year max sentence. This law has started to shift how courts view pets, stressing emotional bonds over just property value.6 Early signs show more victim statements leading to stricter fines, though full impact data will take time.
Scotland’s bill skips cats for now, drawing flak from groups like Cats Protection, who want equal cover since cats face similar risks.7 Golden and officials hint at adding cats later, perhaps after the bill passes. Critics, including a law lecturer at the University of Stirling, warn that without extra police funding, the new rule might not cut thefts at all.8
Here are the main differences in a quick list:
- England’s law includes cats; Scotland’s starts with dogs only.
- Both allow up to five years in prison, but Scotland adds yearly stats tracking.
- Assistance dogs get extra protection in Scotland as aggravated offences.
- England’s act focuses on abduction intent; Scotland stresses emotional trauma.
This setup could inspire Scotland to expand, just as England’s law built on years of campaigns.
Public Support and Next Steps
Social media buzz shows strong backing, with pet lovers sharing stories of lost dogs and calling for quick action. MSP Golden celebrated the stage one win on platforms like X, noting cross party unity as a big step forward.9 Forums like Reddit echo this, though some users debate if more laws fix root issues like underfunded policing.7
The bill now heads to stage two for tweaks from MSPs, then a final vote. If all goes well, it could become law by mid 2026, joining efforts like new dog ownership codes to keep pets safer. Owners can help by microchipping and securing yards, but this law signals Scotland takes pet theft seriously.
Share your thoughts on this bill in the comments below, and spread the word to raise awareness about protecting our furry friends.
