These pictures show police taking DNA swabs from dogs in a new scheme to tackle the rising number of pet thefts. The public are now able buy a DNA testing kit, swab their dogs and have their pets’ profiles recorded on the DNA Protected national database.
Police say if a suspected stolen dog is seized the new initiative will enable officers to correctly identity their rightful owner and return them. The kits, which cost £74.99 from Cellmark Forensic Services, also come with house stickers and collar tags to act as a deterrent to would-be thieves.
Avon and Somerset Police say it supports the initiative both for crime prevention and to help reunite stolen dogs with their owners. PC Natalie Cosgrove, lead for dog theft at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “People’s dogs are part of their family and we understand how distressing it is when pets are lost or stolen.
