Did you know stealing a dog is no different to stealing a mobile phone? That’s because the law treats dogs as objects – not living beings.

I want to change that.

So, I am introducing a new law to make stealing dogs a specific crime. For the first time, thieves will be punished because of the harm they cause to the dog, not just because the dog has a monetary value. It will also take account of the worry and stress caused to owners when their pet is stolen. And it will improve the way we track animal crime, so we can better prevent it in future. 

But changing the law isn’t easy, so I need your support. Please sign my petition to send a clear message to the Scottish Government that we must give our dogs the full protection of the law.

As our best friends, it’s time we repaid their loyalty.