Following the increase in dog theft during the COVID lockdowns, Gloucestershire Police approached Cellmark Forensic Services looking for a fool-proof method of identifying recovered stolen dogs. They also wanted a new way to help owners reduce the risk of dog theft. So, forensic DNA testing experts Cellmark developed ‘DNA Protected’ www.DNAProtected.co.uk, a service that uses the latest DNA profiling technology to identify dogs and combat dog theft.
Unlike microchips which are not always reliable and are even reported to have been taken out by some criminal gangs, a dog’s DNA cannot be removed and remains unchanged for life – it is nature’s ultimate identification system.
Launched in June 2021, dog owners around the country can now chose to have their dog’s DNA profile loaded to a secure Forensic Dog DNA Database. In the event that the dog is stolen and later recovered, police and other investigators can take a simple mouth swab from the dog which can be DNA profiled and compared against the database. This gives the owner the best possible chance of being reunited with their pet.
DNA Protected is also an important crime prevention initiative. Each kit comes with a dog tag and window sticker highlighting to potential thieves that the owner is crime aware and has taken steps to protect their dog. High visibility leads, collars, harness patches and other accessories are available via the website to further highlight that the dog is DNA Protected.
Dog DNA Profiling backed by accreditation
When it comes to protecting your four-legged friend from dog thieves, Cellmark’s DNA Protected service comes with quality assurance built in. DNA Protected is the only dog DNA profiling service accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO17025, a requirement for forensic science laboratories in the UK. Also, as an experienced provider of forensic services to the police, Cellmark is accredited by UKAS to the UK Government’s Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice and Conduct. In addition, DNA Protected is proud to have been awarded Police Preferred Specification status by Secured by Design.
Reassuringly for all DNA Protected database users, all DNA analysis and interpretation is carried out at Cellmark’s own state-of-the-art forensic laboratories here in the UK. With 35 years’ experience of providing forensic services to the police, the government and the military, Cellmark’s data security systems are certified to ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus. But that’s not all, Cellmark’s extensive range of forensic capabilities means that they can support the police in criminal proceedings with a comprehensive service from database match through to the provision of expert witnesses in court.
Supporting the Police with Crime Prevention Initiatives
Referenced in the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce Policy Paper, Cellmark is rolling out its dog DNA profiling service to police forces across the country. Working with individual crime prevention units and neighbourhood policing, Cellmark has been helping the police to launch cost effective dog theft prevention initiatives.
Cellmark’s Managing Director, David Hartshorne said: “Any dog owner will understand how devastating the theft of their family pet would be, so we are delighted to be able to bring the power of forensic science to help the police combat this terrible crime. Cellmark is highly experienced in investigating crime and bringing criminals to justice, but we are particularly excited about the potential for DNA Protected to help dog owners prevent dog theft in the first place.”