Dog thefts have been on the rise across the UK, according to the latest police figures.
A total of 2,290 dogs were stolen last year, which represents an increase of 6% compared to 2022.
And since insurer Direct Line began tracking this data in 2015, only 16% of dogs have been found and returned – the lowest level yet.
The data also found that English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and XL Bullies were the most popular breeds to be stolen.
Ira Moss, CEO of All Dogs Matter, said: “We are seeing an increase in French Bulldogs because they are very expensive to buy and need a lot of veterinary care.”
Anne Maynard's adult female Jack Russell, named Mouse, disappeared during a walk at a local golf club.
(Anne Maynard/PA Wire)
The Metropolitan Police also recorded that 359 dogs have been reported missing across London, followed by Kent Police (138) and West Yorkshire Police (125).
It's devastating when a dog is stolen from pet owners, so how can you prevent it from happening to you?
Don't leave your dog outside the stores
For Moss, more dog owners need to think about where they are.
“If I was walking into a corner store and I knew I was going to be in and out for a few seconds, I would be totally fine. But leaving my dog outside a hypermarket – where you can spend half an hour shopping – is not ideal, people might think the dog has been abandoned and take it away. You wouldn't leave a baby outside a store, would you? Things have changed,” she said.
Sherine Wheeler, chief executive of Mayhew, added: “It doesn't matter if there is CCTV, most thieves are not afraid of them if they are highly motivated.
“Dogs have sentimental qualities similar to those of humans. So, if a dog is waiting for his owner to return, he will be waiting anxiously. If they are well trained socially, they would respond in a friendly manner to a stranger who might be trying to steal them. They should not be left vulnerable to strangers. Manage them well.”
Make sure your garden is safe
“If you have a yard, make sure they are fenced and the back entrance is secure, especially if they are small, they will crawl out through holes and are more likely to be stolen,” Moss said.
Reports of dog theft increased during the pandemic
(AFP via Getty Images)
Kris Glover, head of clinical behavior services at Dogs Trust, said: “Also, don't assume your garden is a safe place for unsupervised dogs and never leave dogs in cars. I know that dogs are used to being installed in cars. But it is very obvious and if someone decides to steal it, they will have easy access.”
Keep your dog in sight during walks
When you take your dog for a walk, it's easy to relax and forget to keep an eye on him.
“It is easier to steal dogs in parks and wide spaces than to break into someone's house. It is necessary to keep your dog inside, as it is easy to cut the leash and take him away, and people will make less of a fuss about it. Also make sure you have a good memory with your dogs, especially when a stranger approaches,” Glover said.
Make sure your dog is microchipped
Your dog's microchip data must be up to date. Many people buy dogs and forget to update the chip details and still have the previous owner's details there.
“If you connect your dog to the Internet, make sure you do so. But it is important to note that they can move since it is placed near the shoulder blades,” Glover said.
Wheeler added: “But it is painless for the animal and takes less than 10 minutes to do. So simple and direct. It is not a complicated process at all.
“This is generally accepted good practice and does not harm the dog, but allows all the different agencies and figures to reunite it with its rightful owners. “If you’ve had your dog for seven or six years, it’s never too late to get him microchipped.”
