Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of prevalence of dog theft in the UK; and what steps the Government is taking to tackle such theft.

The Government recognises the terrible impact of the theft of a family pet. The theft of a pet dog is already a criminal offence punishable by a maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment.

In order to make a direct link between a dog and its owner, to deter such thefts in the first place, and to increase the chances of an owner being re-united with their dog, it is a requirement that all dogs be identified by a microchip. Animal welfare bodies, veterinary organisations, local authorities and the police support the policy of compulsory dog microchipping.