A WEST of Scotland MSP has backed the Scottish Government’s new plans to tackle dog theft.
Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Green is backing his colleague Maurice Golden MSP’s plans to introduce legislation to make dog theft a separate offence.
If successful, the new law will not only increase the penalties for those found guilty of the crime in Ayrshire, but will also act as a deterrent and improve safety for dogs and their owners.
The bill is backed by major animal welfare charities, which have estimated that dog thefts could increase by up to 170 per cent during the adjustment.
The consultation will now run for another 12 weeks until January 16, 2023, and Mr Green is urging everyone to have their say before it goes through the Scottish Parliament.
He said: “When it comes to theft, the law currently treats dogs like any other piece of property, like your phone – that needs to change.
“Too many criminals who steal dogs get away with it; punishment and deterrents should be stronger.
“With the open consultation on this bill, I would like to encourage everyone, not just dog owners, to have their say.
“This will give him the best chance of success in the Scottish Parliament and ensure we crack down on those who steal dogs.”
Earlier this year, Police Scotland figures showed a significant increase in dog thefts in 2020/21 in Ayrshire, the North East, Forth Valley, Tayside, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.
