Pet owners urged to use dog DNA database in bid to combat thefts

A police force is encouraging pet owners to submit the DNA of their dog to a national database in a bid to deter and investigate thieves. Gloucestershire Police says it is the first force in the world to use the technology to tackle dog theft, which has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The DNA Protected scheme involves owners purchasing a £74.99 home kit to take a swab from their dog’s mouth, before sending it to testing company Cellmark Forensic Services.