As most of you will be aware, incidents of dog theft are increasing hugely. The rise in demand for puppies and dogs during the Covid pandemic has turned stealing dogs into a booming business opportunity. Our furry family members are being taken from homes, gardens and parks when out on a walk with us. A Vice documentary, “The Gangs that Steal your Puppies”, is a terrifying insight into the organisation, pervasiveness and ruthlessness of dog thieves in the UK. Microchips, often misunderstood to be trackers, aren’t up to the job. In their 2021 report, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home states that 63% of stray microchipped dogs collected by local authorities have an inaccurate database record. Plus, sadly, microchips can be removed even as easy as they were put in – and police require evidence to take action. LAB+BONE offer a solution. They ensure you (the dog parent) can prove you legally own your dog in the event of theft or dispute of ownership, which means they can be returned home. LAB+BONE is a service that protects a dog’s identity using its DNA. DNA is stored in a cryogenic freezer and if your dog is stolen, you the owner has the necessary forensic evidence to legally reclaim your dog. If dog thieves knew that all dogs were protected in this way, dog theft would be pointless and families would be safe.