MSPs pass Bill to make dog theft punishable by up to five years in prison

Sentences of up to five years in prison could be handed out for dog theft after MSPs passed new legislation at Holyrood.

The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced by Tory MSP Maurice Golden, was passed by 119 votes to two after the Scottish Government indicated it would back the legislation.

It will introduce unlimited fines, as well as jail sentences of up to five years, for those convicted of stealing a dog.

Data collection on dog theft – which has been inconsistent – will be improved, while stealing assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, and some other “helper” dogs will be classed as an aggravating factor, with tougher punishments imposed in such cases.

North East Scotland MSP Mr Golden introduced the legislation amid concerns that thefts of dogs are rising, with the Tory arguing that current punishments fail to provide a deterrent for the crime.

Declaring he was “thrilled” the legislation had been passed, the Tory said the Bill would “make a huge difference to dogs and to the many families across Scotland to whom they are so special”.

He added: “To this point, there simply wasn’t enough deterrence when it came to dog theft.

“This strengthening of the law will change that, and help police and other justice authorities clamp down on this disgraceful crime.”

Mr Golden added: “Dogs are our best friends and deserve more – I hope this new law can help deliver that.”

Community safety minister Siobhian Brown meanwhile told Holyrood that “dog theft causes distress and can have a profound and devastating impact on victims”.

She added: “To lose a much-loved dog and to lose it to theft is horrendous.”

Passing the Bill will  help “shine a light on the heartbreak caused by the theft of a dog”, Ms Brown insisted.

The minister added: “As a dog owner and a dog lover, I recognise the emotional benefits they bring to our lives.

“Dogs can lift our mood, provide companionship, and they are treated as members of the family.”