Didn't she do well… a campaign by Sir Bruce Forsyth’s daughter to make it easier to trace stolen pets looks set to deliver a law change.
The late TV star supported Debbie Matthews’ fight against dognappers after her own pooches were stolen in 2006.
She was reunited with them two weeks later, after her dad helped publicise the case – and she then launched a campaign to ensure vets scan microchipped pets to check they are with the rightful owner.
Now, the Government is considering making this law, along with compulsory microchipping of cats.
Debbie, 65, said: “My father would have been thrilled to see how much support the campaign has.
"A change in the law to help millions of pet owners would be a lovely tribute to his memory.”
It comes as charities estimate dog theft has surged 250% amid lockdown – fuelled by huge demand for puppies.
Debbie’s Yorkshire terriers Gizmo and Widget were stolen from her car while she visited M&S in Camberley, Surrey.
She said: “My father was saying, ‘Your dogs are long gone’ but he was determined to help. To have someone like my father being able to tap into the media meant we were on BBC News and GMTV, and as a result got both dogs back.
"My husband said later, ‘What would you change?’ I said it would be for dogs to be scanned and microchip registration checked by vets. My father was 100% behind it.”
Bruce died in 2017, aged 89. The campaign is also backed by celebs including Simon Cowell, Paul O’Grady, Brian May, Miranda Hart, Dermot O’Leary, Graham Norton and Tess Daly.
Debbie, boss of the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, added: “When a pet is taken, it’s like having a child stolen.”
A public consultation on the law change is due to end on February 17.
- For info, visit stolenandmissingpetsalliance.co.uk
