A WEST Scotland MSP has backed new Scottish Government plans that would tackle dog thefts.

Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Greene is endorsing plans by his colleague Maurice Golden MSP to introduce the law which would make stealing a dog a crime in its own right.

If successful, the new law would not only increase punishments for those in Ayrshire found guilty of the crime, but also act as a deterrent and improve safety for dogs and owners.

The bill is backed by major animal welfare charities, who have estimated that dog thefts may have increased by up to 170 per cent during lockdown.

A consultation will now run for another 12 weeks until January 16, 2023 and Mr Greene is urging everyone to give their views ahead of it progressing through the Scottish Parliament.

He said: “When it comes to theft, the law currently views dogs like any other property such as your phone - that must change.

“Too many criminals who steal dogs are getting away with it; the punishment and the deterrents need to be stronger.

“With the consultation open on this bill, I would encourage everyone – not just dog owners – to respond with their views.

“That will give it the best possible chance of succeeding through the Scottish Parliament and ensure that we clamp down on those who steal dogs.”

Earlier this year, Police Scotland figures revealed significant increases in dog thefts in 2020/21 in Ayrshire, the North East, Forth Valley, Tayside, Lothian and Borders, Fife and Lanarkshire.