Dogs theft law runs up against MSP objections

A HOLYROOD committee has expressed “reservations” about a “well intentioned” bid to make the theft of a dog a statutory offence.

- By Katrine Bussey

Conservative MSP Maurice Golden put forward legislation which, if passed, could see people jailed for up to five years for stealing a dog.

He introduced his member's Bill to Holyrood in a bid to tackle the “heinous crime”, which the Tory said causes emotional distress for owners.

However, MSPs on Holyrood’s Rural Affairs Committee, which scrutinised the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, noted that stealing a dog is already covered by the common law offence of theft — and the penalties for this are the same as Mr Golden in proposing.