Meeting of the Parliament 16 December 2025 [Draft]
I do not intend to speak for very long today, but I begin by thanking Maurice Golden, whose dedication in introducing this member’s bill and steering it through Parliament has been tireless. His commitment reflects not only his care for animal welfare, but his understanding of the deep bond between people and their dogs.
He is right that, for many Scots, dogs are more than pets—they are companions in times of isolation, loyal partners on long walks, and, for people who are living alone or with health challenges, a daily source of emotional support and wellbeing. Research from animal welfare organisations emphasises that dogs can significantly reduce loneliness and improve mental health.
Losing a dog to theft is not like losing an object; it is—as the cabinet secretary has just pointed out—like losing a valued and loving family member. That is why groups such as Dogs Trust, the Scottish SPCA and other welfare charities have supported stronger recognition of dog theft as a stand-alone offence. They have highlighted the immense emotional impact on owners and the trauma that is experienced when a dog is taken.
The bill, as we know now, will create a specific statutory offence of dog theft with appropriate aggravations where an assistance or helper dog is taken, thereby ensuring that offences are treated with the seriousness that I believe that they deserve.
I therefore urge all members, whether or not they are dog owners, to support the bill today, so that Scotland can send a clear message that we value the welfare of our dogs and the deep, irreplaceable bond that they share with their owners.
15:28