A CHESHIRE town councillor has launched a petition calling on the government to tackle the rising number of dog thefts.

Dog ownership has skyrocketed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and statistics published by the Kennel Club show 335 dogs were stolen in the North West last year.

Knutsford town councillor Millie Morris met with Cheshire police and crime commissioner John Dwyer to discuss a 'dog DNA database' which could be set up nationally. 

The database would hold similar information to microchips which helps reunite lost dogs with their owners.

Cllr Morris said: “Horrifically, thieves are now removing microchips from stolen dogs to avoid detection.

"In my meeting with the commissioner, he quite rightly pointed out that you can’t remove or alter the DNA from a dog, providing reassurance that owners and their beloved pets will be reunited.

“I’m hopeful this petition will go viral. Dogs and all pets are family members. The grief that ensues from these thefts cannot be put into words.

"Hopefully, the petition will go some way to put pressure on the Government to set up a DNA database to make it easier to reunite dogs with their lawful owners.”

John Dwyer said: "Due to this increase in demand, we have seen an increase in dog thefts, as people have become aware that our four-legged friends can bring a hefty price either being sold on or by ransoming them back to their owners.

"In Cheshire we’ve seen a number of high-profile dog thefts, and something needs to be done to prevent our much loved pets from falling into the wrong hands.

"A DNA database would be a good idea, as it provides a fool-proof way for a dog and their owner’s details to be captured, without the worry of them being tampered with.

"We welcome pets into our lives, and they become members of our family.

"I’m supporting the petition raised by Councillor Morris, it will provide dog owners with extra reassurance that if their dog does go missing, they can be reunited."

Sign the petition via petition.parliament.uk/petitions/591566.