With a huge increase in dog thefts since the pandemic, we offer sensible advice about how to keep your dog safe
One of the many things that the pandemic brought was a rapid and huge rise in dog ownership. This led to a huge (and ridiculous) increase in the cost of buying a dog, which, in turn, has led to a sharp increase in dog theft as unscrupulous people saw a quick way to make money.
Figures from a recent report are shocking!
Figures from a recent report published by Direct Line Pet insurance showed the number of stolen dogs in the UK rose by 13% last year (2021). A total of 2,760 dogs were reported stolen.
That’s over 50 dogs a week across the country.
London saw the highest numbers, followed by West Yorkshire then Kent, with Lancashire and South Yorkshire making up the top five areas. Lincolnshire, Surrey, Leicestershire, Suffolk and South Wales had the fewest recorded incidents.
More positively, the number of dogs recovered and returned also reached a new high last year, with 617 stolen dogs found. My old stomping ground, Derbyshire, fared well there.
So which dogs are most at risk of being stolen?
Generally they were smaller dogs. French Bulldogs were the most stolen breed with a 29% rise compared to the number stolen in 2020. The number of Jack Russells stolen last year more than doubled (140%) compared to the year before. Other small dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs were also popular targets.
Staffies were the most stolen dog in 2020, but they saw an 88% reduction in thefts least year, with numbers of stolen cross breeds also falling compared to 2020.
In England and Wales, the law will soon recognise dogs as members of the family with feelings, not just as owned property. It’s hoped that this will deter criminals, especially if they can be punished more severely if prosecuted.
Hopefully our law makers will follow suit very soon.
Look after your dog
Never leave them unsupervised in your garden or outside a shop. Make sure they are microchipped and wear a tag on their collar. Check your equipment regularly – a broken lead, collar or harness can lead to tragedy. Make sure areas where they are allowed to run free are well fenced and check fencing regularly. Train an excellent recall (ask us if you need help. We’ve got a Reliable Recall course coming up soon. Watch this space!).
Keep your dog safe.
Keep training and stay safe yourselves,
Carol
