Dog thefts are huge now with many breeds selling for over £3000. With the emotional attachment dogs have to owners ( lone pensioners, couples who can’t have kids etc ) - I think it’s shocking how these pets get stolen and leave folk heartbroken. The fine for stealing a dog is no more than for stealing a mobile phone.

I do feel though the public should have a right to protect their pets as they do their homes so if a person is caught in the act of dog theft the owner should have a right of retaliation - a swift cosh around the head with a baseball bat or a head butt splitting the offenders nose across their face should be the least expected.

We have a gorgeous golden retriever and if anyone tried to steal her and got caught - the least they should expect is a taste of hospital food for a week. The heartbreak of an elderly person losing their beloved dog to theft could be heartbreaking!