The Scottish Parliament has passed landmark legislation creating a specific criminal offence for dog theft
- Ayrshire Daily News
- 22 hours ago
- 5 min read
Up to 5 Years in Jail for Dog Theft
The Scottish Parliament has passed landmark legislation creating a specific criminal offence for dog theft, marking a significant change in how the crime will be treated under Scots law.
MSPs overwhelmingly backed the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill during Stage 3 proceedings in the Chamber, with the legislation approved by 119 votes to two. The decisive vote completes the Bill’s passage through Holyrood and clears the way for it to become law.
The new Act ends the long standing practice of prosecuting dog theft under general theft legislation, where dogs were treated solely as property and cases were often assessed largely on financial value. Under the previous system, courts were limited in how they could reflect the emotional impact on victims when a pet was stolen.
Instead, dog theft will now be recognised as a distinct criminal offence, formally acknowledging the strong emotional bond between people and their pets and the serious distress caused when a dog is taken.
Once the legislation is brought into force, courts will be able to consider the emotional harm suffered by victims as part of sentencing. Tougher penalties will be available, including the possibility of prison sentences of up to five years and unlimited fines, reflecting the seriousness with which the offence will now be treated.
The law also provides for cases involving assistance and support dogs to be treated with added seriousness, recognising the vital role these animals play in supporting people with disabilities and additional needs.
Link to Bear webpage
Link to information on Bear
Debate around the Bill has been shaped by a number of high profile dog theft cases across Scotland, including the theft of a Pomeranian called Bear.
Bear was stolen around a year ago and, despite extensive searches, national media coverage and a substantial reward of £35,000 being offered, there has still been no sign of him.
On the day the Bill was passed, STV News interviewed Bear’s owner Brian and his partner, who spoke about the ongoing heartache caused by the loss of their dog.
They described Bear as a much loved member of their family and said that even with a £35,000 reward on offer, no information has led to his recovery, leaving them with unanswered questions more than a year on.
Campaigners and animal welfare organisations have said cases such as Bear’s highlight the shortcomings of existing legislation and demonstrate why stronger laws were needed to properly reflect the real impact of dog theft on families.
Supporters of the new law say it sends a clear message that dog theft is a serious crime rather than a minor property offence, and that it will give police and prosecutors a clearer legal framework to investigate and pursue cases.
The Bill will now proceed to Royal Assent before commencement regulations are introduced to bring the new offence into effect.
Once implemented, the legislation is expected to change how dog theft is investigated, prosecuted and sentenced across Scotland, offering greater protection for dog owners and clearer recognition of the harm caused when a pet is stolen.
Full video
Video credit: STV News
Once the legislation is brought into force, courts will be able to consider the emotional harm suffered by victims as part of sentencing. Tougher penalties will be available, including the possibility of prison sentences of up to five years and unlimited fines, reflecting the seriousness with which the offence will now be treated.
The law also provides for cases involving assistance and support dogs to be treated with added seriousness, recognising the vital role these animals play in supporting people with disabilities and additional needs.
Debate around the Bill has been shaped by a number of high profile dog theft cases across Scotland, including the theft of a Pomeranian called Bear.
Bear was stolen around a year ago and, despite extensive searches, national media coverage and a substantial reward of £35,000 being offered, there has still been no sign of him.
On the day the Bill was passed, STV News interviewed Bear’s owner Brian and his partner, who spoke about the ongoing heartache caused by the loss of their dog.
They described Bear as a much loved member of their family and said that even with a £35,000 reward on offer, no information has led to his recovery, leaving them with unanswered questions more than a year on.
Campaigners and animal welfare organisations have said cases such as Bear’s highlight the shortcomings of existing legislation and demonstrate why stronger laws were needed to properly reflect the real impact of dog theft on families.
Supporters of the new law say it sends a clear message that dog theft is a serious crime rather than a minor property offence, and that it will give police and prosecutors a clearer legal framework to investigate and pursue cases.
The Bill will now proceed to Royal Assent before commencement regulations are introduced to bring the new offence into effect.
Once implemented, the legislation is expected to change how dog theft is investigated, prosecuted and sentenced across Scotland, offering greater protection for dog owners and clearer recognition of the harm caused when a pet is stolen.
Full video
Video credit: STV News
Debate around the Bill has been shaped by a number of high profile dog theft cases across Scotland, including the theft of a Pomeranian called Bear.
Bear was stolen around a year ago and, despite extensive searches, national media coverage and a substantial reward of £35,000 being offered, there has still been no sign of him.
On the day the Bill was passed, STV News interviewed Bear’s owner Brian and his partner, who spoke about the ongoing heartache caused by the loss of their dog.
They described Bear as a much loved member of their family and said that even with a £35,000 reward on offer, no information has led to his recovery, leaving them with unanswered questions more than a year on.
Campaigners and animal welfare organisations have said cases such as Bear’s highlight the shortcomings of existing legislation and demonstrate why stronger laws were needed to properly reflect the real impact of dog theft on families.
Supporters of the new law say it sends a clear message that dog theft is a serious crime rather than a minor property offence, and that it will give police and prosecutors a clearer legal framework to investigate and pursue cases.
The Bill will now proceed to Royal Assent before commencement regulations are introduced to bring the new offence into effect.
Once implemented, the legislation is expected to change how dog theft is investigated, prosecuted and sentenced across Scotland, offering greater protection for dog owners and clearer recognition of the harm caused when a pet is stolen.
Full video
Video credit: STV News
