Your beloved family member being stolen is every pet parent’s worst nightmare. Since lockdown the demand for puppies has rocketed. With the advent of working from home, many people decided it was the right time to welcome a puppy into their family. Since this rise of pet ownership, the news and social media have been full of reports of crime gangs targeting dogs. So, on Dog Theft Awareness Day 2022, is dog theft something we really need to worry about?

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Is stealing dogs a crime?

The dog abduction offence announced last September means that criminals can end up behind bars for up to 5 years for stealing pets. The legislation aims to take into account the emotional distress of losing a beloved pet, rather than just a possession. So luckily yes, stealing dogs is a crime.

Should I be worried about dog theft?

Unfortunately criminals have seized on an opportunity to make some easy cash and dog thefts have risen. According to a government website detailing the Pet Theft Taskforce Report, around 2000 dog thefts were reported to the police in 2020. Interestingly, there was a 26% decrease in overall theft incidences (with shops being closed) between 2019 and 2020, but a 3.5% increase in recorded cases of dog theft. So, dog theft is certainly on the rise.

The good news is that dog theft is still considered a ’low volume’ crime by the police, accounting for less than 0.5% of all thefts. It may seem more common, since people are more likely to post on social media about their pet being stolen than their TV. Dog theft is certainly more common in certain breeds, especially designer breeds. Females are also at greater risk, since they can be used for breeding. 

So, dog theft isn’t something that should keep us awake at night, but it is definitely something we all need to be aware of and do our best to prevent.

How do I protect my dog from theft?

There are many things we can do to reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals. Here are our top tips for protecting your dog against theft:

Secure your house and garden

Remember to keep all your doors locked, even when you’re home. Secure your garden gate with a strong padlock where possible, and make sure the boundary is secure. Front gardens are particularly easy for criminals to access, so unless you can secure the area you shouldn’t leave your dog unattended in the garden. CCTV and floodlights act as good deterrents too. 

Vary your walks

Try to vary the route or times of your walks, so they aren’t predictable. Walking with friends or in populated areas adds an extra deterrent. 

Be careful when posting on social media

We all want to show off our pups on social media! However, be careful not to give too much away, such as your address or favourite walk. 

Never leave your dog unattended

Whether it’s outside a shop, in your car or on a walk, you never know when opportunistic thieves may be passing. This includes keeping your dog in sight at all times on a walk. If they haven’t got good recall, keep them on a lead until this improves.

Make sure your dog is identifiable

It is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped by the age of 8 weeks. They must also wear a collar with a tag when out of the home, stating your name and address. Other useful information for the tag includes a phone number, ‘I’m chipped’ and ‘I’m neutered’. These may help to deter thieves. You could also consider investing in a GPS tracker for your pet. It’s a good idea to have up to date photos of your dog, including close ups of any distinguishing features. These will help if the worst should happen, and you need to advertise your pet as missing or stolen.

Consider neutering your pet

Pets are often stolen for puppy farming, as thieves can make even more money from one animal by breeding from them. Neutering your pet may deter thieves, especially if you include this information on their collar.

What should I do if my dog is stolen?

Report the theft to the police as soon as possible, giving a detailed description to help with identification. You should also report it to the local council or dog warden. Contact the microchip company to mark your pet as stolen, in case anyone tries to take them to a vet. It’s also a good idea to contact missing pet companies, local vets and use social media to advertise your dog as missing. The Metropolitan Police and Crimestoppers provide useful information on their websites about what to do if your dog is stolen.

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