Ministers are considering plans for a DNA database for dogs to help tackle a surge in pet thefts. A Whitehall source said there was growing interest in mimicking the National DNA Database, which has revolutionised crime fighting since its introduction in the mid-1990s. The new system would require owners to supply a DNA swab from a pet’s mouth to be stored on a database used by police and local authority officials. Ministers are considering plans for a DNA database for dogs to help tackle a surge in pet thefts. Picture: Stock It follows a rise in pet thefts during the pandemic when demand for puppies drove prices to record levels.