The PSNI is working with a DNA specialist in a bid to tackle dog thefts in Northern Ireland.
As part of a new crime prevention initiative they are now working with DNA Protected which offers a system developed for forensic analysis.
PSNI Superintendent Brian Kee, the PSNI lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime, said the move will help investigate criminal cases involving the theft of dogs.
Read more : And a unique nose print can help ID your dog too
He said, “Of course we have been proactively working with a number of partners over recent years, but this will add a new dimension in terms of reuniting lost or stolen dogs with their owners.
“Two important aspects in protecting pet dogs are awareness raising and crime prevention, and DNA protection being one of many precautions available to owners.
“It is important that we equip owners with crime prevention deterrents so they can protect their pets.
“Dog theft can have a massive impact on the owners and their families and we are committed to doing all that we can to prevent dog thefts from happening.”
DNA Protected is run by Cellmark Forensic Services in the UK. Their schemes use a DNA marker system developed for forensic analysis in DNA sampling kits usually consisting of a swab for the owner to take a mouth swab from their dog.
The dog’s DNA is then tested and its profile stored on the providers database, making it easily accessible for police to help reunite a missing dog that is located with its owner.
A spokesperson for the company said: “With dog theft unfortunately on the rise, DNA Protected has been developed to deter thieves, provide families with peace of mind and to help collar the criminals.
“The Forensic Dog DNA database could play an important role in ensuring that a dog is safely returned if stolen, but we also want to help make sure that the individuals responsible are brought to justice.
“Cellmark has provided forensic DNA profiling services to UK police forces for more than 30 years and we assist with the forensic investigation of hundreds of crimes every week.
“The process doesn’t just stop when the Forensic Dog DNA Database contributes towards a dog's safe return - we have the expertise and experience to help the police successfully prosecute the people responsible.
“Dogs’ DNA is unique and cannot be changed. It is nature’s ultimate identification system. Unlike a microchip which might be lost, might not work or could even be removed, DNA will identify your dog for life.”
The company offers DNA kits for one, two, three, four and five dogs with prices from £70 to £75 per dog.
The owner is sent the kit by post and instructed on how to swab their pet’s mouth and the swab is then secured and returned to the company for processing.
This work generates the dog’s DNA profile which is added to the Forensic Dog DNA Database.
A spokesperson said: “Dogs’ DNA is made up of about two and a half billion letters of genetic code. “Although the vast majority of the genetic code is the same for every dog, we target 18 DNA sections where there are differences to produce a DNA profile that can tell your dog apart with excellent discrimination.
“Storing your dog’s DNA profile on Cellmark’s database makes it accessible to the police and means that if the worst were to happen and your dog were to be lost or stolen, it could help ensure that he or she is safely returned.”
David Hartshorne, Cellmark Forensic Services’ Managing Director said, “We are proud to be partnering with PSNI and providing DNA Protected in support of this important crime prevention initiative.”
