The Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced by Tory MSP Maurice Golden, was passed by 119 votes to two after the Scottish Government indicated it would back the legislation.
It will introduce unlimited fines, as well as jail sentences of up to five years, for those convicted of stealing a dog.
Data collection on dog theft will be improved, while stealing assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, and some other “helper” dogs will be classed as an aggravating factor, with tougher punishments imposed in such cases.
Golden introduced the legislation amid concerns that thefts of dogs are rising, with the Tory arguing that current punishments fail to provide a deterrent for the crime.
Declaring he was “thrilled” the legislation had been passed, Golden said the Bill would “make a huge difference to dogs and to the many families across Scotland to whom they are so special”.
He added: “To this point, there simply wasn’t enough deterrence when it came to dog theft.
“This strengthening of the law will change that, and help police and other justice authorities clamp down on this disgraceful crime.”
Golden added: “Dogs are our best friends and deserve more – I hope this new law can help deliver that.”
Community safety minister Siobhian Brown meanwhile told Holyrood that “dog theft causes distress and can have a profound and devastating impact on victims”.
She added: “To lose a much-loved dog and to lose it to theft is horrendous.
“As a dog owner and a dog lover, I recognise the emotional benefits they bring to our lives.
“Dogs can lift our mood, provide companionship, and they are treated as members of the family.”
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The Scottish SPCA has hailed the passing of the bill, calling it an incredible milestone for the country.
Nicola Strachan, head of advocacy and strategic partnerships at The Scottish SPCA, said: “The passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill is an incredible milestone for animal welfare in Scotland. By making dog theft a standalone offence, the law finally recognises the seriousness of this crime and the profound harm it causes to both animals and the people who love them.
“Dogs are sentient beings, not commodities that can easily be replaced. When a dog is stolen, the impact is devastating.
“This legislation sends a clear message that dog theft will be treated with the seriousness it deserves. While this is a significant step forward, it must be the foundation for wider reform.
“Our 2026 manifesto sets out further actions needed to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home, and we will continue working with policymakers to ensure this momentum is not lost.”
Dogs Trust also welcomed the bill.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “For years, Dogs Trust has called for standalone legislation to deter those who exploit the theft of beloved pets, and so we hugely welcome the passing of this important Bill in Scotland. We thank Maurice Golden for progressing this vital legislation to protect dogs and their owners from the distress caused by the theft of a much-loved companion.
“The abduction of a dog is an incredibly traumatic and heartbreaking experience. For many, pets are much-loved members of the family, and being separated from them, without knowing their whereabouts, is devastating. Now, with the passing of the Dog Theft (Scotland) Bill, the emotional impact of dog abduction is acknowledged, and reporting requirements will improve data collection, allowing the true scale of the issue to be understood.
“Along with this new law, there are other ways dog owners can take to help protect their pets from being stolen. Always keep your dog in sight when off the lead, never leave them unattended in public areas, and be mindful of what you share online about your pet. Additionally, ensuring your dog is microchipped and wears a collar with an ID tag – both of which are legal requirements – is essential. These simple measures will improve the chances of being reunited with your dog as quickly as possible should the unthinkable happen.”
