Keele researcher welcomes Scotland law change increasing sentences for dog theft

A researcher from Keele University whose work played a key role in changing the law surrounding dog theft in England and Northern Ireland has welcomed a similar change being introduced in Scotland. 

Dr Daniel Allen from Keele’s School of Life Sciences led the Pet Theft Reform campaign which called on the government to make pet theft a specific criminal offence with more severe punishment for offenders, which led to a change in the law in England and Northern Ireland in 2024. 

Previously pets were treated as property in the eyes of the law, meaning those found guilty would face relatively minor punishments such as community service or a fine, if they were convicted at all.  

But the passing of the Pet Abduction Bill, which made the abduction of pets a specific offence under criminal law, meant that those found guilty of pet theft in England and Northern Ireland now face much stricter penalties. 

Despite campaigning for seven years for this change, Dr Allen and his colleagues in the Pet Theft Reform campaign having continued to lobby the devolved governments to follow suit, and the Scottish Parliament has now introduced a similar law which has made dog theft a specific offence in Scotland. 

Dr Allen and his colleagues have been working closely with Conservative MSP Maurice Golden, who tabled the motion, and Dr Allen said he hopes the governments in Wales and the Republic of Ireland will now follow suit. 

Dr Allen said: “The Pet Theft Reform campaign has been working closely with Maurice Golden MSP since 2020, and we extend our deepest thanks to him for his tireless dedication and hard work in championing this cause.  

“The passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill is a vital milestone in recognising dogs as sentient family members rather than mere property. By establishing a standalone offence with penalties of up to five years in prison, this legislation acknowledges the emotional impact of this crime on people and dogs, and sends a clear message that this crime will be taken more seriously.  

“Pet Theft Reform policy change has now been achieved in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, and we will continue to work closely with the administrations in Wales and the Republic of Ireland to campaign for similar changes there.”