Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging dog owners across the policing area to protect their pets from theft by joining a doggy DNA database.

Members of the public can buy a DNA testing kit, swab their dogs and have their pets' profiles recorded on the DNA Protected national database knowing their local police support the initiative both for crime prevention and to help reunite stolen dogs with their owners.

If a suspected stolen dog is seized, their DNA can be checked, enabling officers to identify the rightful owner and return their pet. The kits also come with house stickers and collar tags to act as a deterrent to would-be thieves.

Avon and Somerset Police's lead for dog theft, PC Natalie Cosgrove, said: "People's dogs are part of their family and we understand how distressing it is when pets are lost or stolen.

"The benefit of this approach is that the dog's own DNA is the identifying factor, and this cannot be removed or altered.

"We're getting the ball rolling in our area by swabbing some fire service dogs, as well as the wellbeing dogs who are available for our police officers and staff."

The kits are available for £74.99 from https://www.dnaprotected.co.uk/ and the scheme is managed by Cellmark Forensic Services. Anyone attending one of the events will benefit from a discount.

A police spokesperson said: "The theft of a beloved pet causes great distress and we want owners to help protect their canine friends, reunite stolen dogs with their owners, deter criminals, and bring offenders to justice."