The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, tabled by Conservative MSP Maurice Golden, follows the introduction of the offence of “pet abduction” in England and Northern Ireland in August.

Mr Golden, whose bill replicates the common law punishments, said new law was required.

He claimed the bill would affect the prosecution rate for dog theft and that it would force courts to account for the emotional impact of the crime.

It is estimated that 1,808 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2024, with only one in five being returned, according to figures from Direct Line Pet Insurance.

It would also make the theft of an assistance dog an “aggravated” offence, which means the court would have to consider if a more severe sentence should be imposed.

Cats Protection said it was “extremely disappointed” that the law would not cover cats, like legislation in other parts of the UK does. Mr Golden has suggested, however, that his dog bill could extend to cats if it becomes law.