Dog theft law change debated

DOGS should not be treated as a commodity or possession in the event of theft, according to a Scottish Parliament committee. The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, has been considering a change to the law concerning the theft of domestic and working dogs. Three major dog organisations – The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Dogs Trust and the Scottish SPCA – insist the current law is “inadequate” because it treats dogs as a possession. Similarly Police Scotland also agreed that the current common law crime of theft fails to reflect 'sufficiently' the impact on families. Speaking at Holyrood last week, Finlay Carson MSP, convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, said that a 'stand-alone, statutory offence' could recognise dogs as sentient beings. However giving evidence on behalf of the committee, he admitted that such a move would not act as a deterrent, nor would it change how an offence would be investigated or prosecuted. Examining the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, MSPs considered the theft of an assistance dog as an aggravated offence. While the RAI committee accepted such a theft would have a 'serious, life-changing impact' on its owner, there have been no instances or cases having come to court. Mr Carson said: “The court system can already take into account the impact of the theft. It is not clear to the committee, therefore, that this is a proportionate provision. “In respect of other types of working dogs, whilst incomparable to the life-changing impact the theft of an assistance dog would have on its owners, the committee agrees the theft of a working dog – such as a sheepdog – would cause emotional distress and could significantly impact its owner’s ability to carry out their work. “The committee, therefore, recommended that the proposed aggravation is extended to reflect other working dogs.”