Dog DNA Database Bill would help tackle dog theft says North Wales MP

A North Wales MP is supporting legislation for a dog DNA database to help combat a rise in pet theft across the UK. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

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. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie has said the new law is needed because dog theft has risen dramatically since 2020 according to official estimates. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

The pandemic has led to a huge demand for pets which has in turn driven up prices for popular breeds. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“The theft of a family pet is a devastating experience and the chance of finding them again would be much improved if a DNA database was up and running,” said Virginia. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“Sadly, organised criminals are now undertaking dog thefts because the price of dogs has risen so much making the job of the police more difficult and time consuming.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“A doggy DNA database would be a good tool for forces to have access to.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

“I hope the Government will give the Bill parliamentary time in the coming months so it has a good chance of becoming law.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

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. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Pet theft has risen so dramatically, the Government launched a dedicated Pet Theft Task Force in May to tackle the issue. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

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