Dog theft is currently treated the same as the theft of a mobile phone ! Our pets are not replaceable, they are part of our families. Whilst would be dog  thieves trail  the country stealing, kidnapping and abusing our pets without the threat of a criminal record or even investigation, what deterrent is there? 
This need urgently addressing with the current increase in incidents with dog owners threatened in the street and strangers entering our gardens and taking our beloved pets either for breeding, financial gain or dog fighting. 
We are a nation of animal lovers and yet the law has not changed in over 60 years. Dog theft needs to be a criminal offence, taken seriously and with the threat a custodial sentence.