Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie is supporting legislation for a dog DNA database to help combat a rise in pet theft.
The Bill is scheduled to be introduced in parliament next week and it has the backing of the RSPCA and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
In Gloucestershire, an opt-in doggy database has already been pioneered by the police to tackle the scourge of dog theft.
“I am really happy to support this new law and I thank the Gloucestershire Constabulary for being a massive trailblazer in developing this deterrent to what is an epidemic of pet theft at the moment,” said Siobhan.
“I have often said that the theft of a pet is heartbreaking for people who consider their dog or cat to be part of the family.
“Anything to make it more difficult for these callous thieves to steal much-loved animals is most welcome and has my full support.”
Dog theft increased by 250% over 2020, according to official estimates, as the pandemic led to more demand for pets and increased prices for popular breeds.
In May, the Government launched a dedicated Pet Theft Task Force to tackle the issue.
The Bill is scheduled to be introduced by Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith MP on 7th July.
Under the current Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dogs must be microchipped, but these can be cut out by unscrupulous thieves.
Unlike microchips, DNA is an indelible, reliable marker to identify a dog.
