Gloucestershire Constabulary has become the first police force globally to use DNA to tackle dog thefts. "DNA Protected" uses a DNA marker system that has been developed for forensic analysis to help investigate criminal cases involving the theft of dogs.
Storing a dog’s DNA profile on Cellmark’s forensic dog DNA database will make it easily accessible to police forces and could help ensure the dog’s safe return if it is lost or stolen.
Two important aspects in protecting pet dogs are awareness raising and crime prevention with DNA Protected being one of many precautions available to owners.
The police force says DNA Protected products will soon be available on their Neighborhood Engagement Vehicles. In the meantime the product is available to purchase by visiting the DNA Protected website at https://www.dnaprotected.co.uk/. Kits are £74.99 and dog owners can also purchase branded collars and leads to show that their dog has been protected.
"DNA is unique and a fact that has enabled Forensic Services to identify criminals for many years," added Chris Allen, Gloucestershire Constabulary's Head of Forensic Services. "With the application of the same processes used for human identification, the DNA Protected service promises a searchable database of canine DNA information. Gloucestershire Constabulary's Forensic Services department is very proud to be part of this ground-breaking initiative and I am confident that DNA Protected will greatly assist police in reducing the heart-breaking crime of dog theft and reuniting pets with their owners in the future."
Newly elected police and crime commissioner Chris Nelson recently revealed his 5-point plan to tackle dog theft and is pleased that the Constabulary has launched the dog DNA initiative. He said the increase in pet theft has become one of the most distasteful elements of lockdown as organized gangs become ever more ruthless. "We have to adopt whatever means we can to stop this shocking trade and hopefully advances in science will help," said Allen.
"Cellmark has been at the forefront of forensic DNA profiling for over 30 years and we are pleased to be assisting Gloucestershire Constabulary to prevent and investigate dog theft," said David Hartshorne, Managing Director for Cellmark Forensic Services. "We developed the DNA Protected service to assist with crime prevention and to help the police return stolen or lost dogs to their owners and it’s great that our forensic DNA tools, which have been used for many years to identify people and investigate crime, will now be used to help combat dog theft."
Republished courtesy of Gloucestershire Constabulary. Photo: PS Towell, PD Maija and PC Hunt. Credit: Gloucestershire Constabulary