Dog thefts are at a record high – here’s what you can do to stop them

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Dog thefts have been on the rise throughout the UK, in accordance to newest police figures.

A complete of two,290 canines have been stolen final 12 months, which is a 6% improve from 2022.

And since insurer Direct Line began monitoring this information in 2015, solely 16% of canines have been discovered and returned – the bottom it has been.

The information additionally discovered that English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and XL Bullies have been the most well-liked breeds to be stolen.

Ira Moss, the final supervisor at All Dogs Matter stated: “We are seeing an increase in French Bulldogs because they are very expensive to buy and need a lot of vet care.”

The Metropolitan Police additionally registered that there have been 359 canines reported lacking throughout London, adopted by Kent Police (138) and West Yorkshire Police (125).

It’s devastating when a canine is stolen from pet homeowners, so how can you stop it from occurring to you?

Don’t go away your canine outdoors retailers

For Moss, extra canine homeowners want to take into consideration the place they are.

“If I was going into a corner shop and I knew that I’d be in and out for a few seconds, that’s totally fine. But leaving my dog outside of a superstore – where you may spend half an hour doing your shopping – is not ideal, people could think the dog has been abandoned and take it with them. You wouldn’t leave a baby outside a store, would you? Things have changed,” she stated.

Sherine Wheeler, the CEO at Mayhew added: “It doesn’t matter if there is a CCTV, most thieves aren’t afraid of them if they are highly motivated.

“Dogs have similar sentiment qualities as humans. So if a dog is waiting for its owner to return, it would be keenly waiting. If they are trained well socially, they would respond in a friendly manner to a stranger who may be trying to steal them. They shouldn’t be left vulnerable to strangers. Steward them well.”

Make positive your backyard is safe

“If you have a garden, make sure they are fenced up and the back entrance is secure, especially if they are small they will get out through holes and are more prone to being stolen,” stated Moss.

Kris Glover, the top of medical behaviour companies at Dogs Trust stated: “Also, don’t assume that your garden is a safe place for dogs unsupervised and never leave dogs in cars. I know dogs are used to being settled in cars. But it’s very obvious and if someone decides to steal it they have easy access.”

Keep your canine in sight on walks

When taking your canine for a stroll, it’s simple to loosen up and overlook to keep watch over them.

“It’s easier to steal dogs in parks and vast spaces than breaking into someone’s house. Your dog needs to be kept inside as it’s easy to clip a lead and take the dog away, and people will make less of a fuss about that. Make sure you also have a good recall with your dogs, especially when a stranger comes up to it,” stated Glover.

Make positive your canine is microchipped

The particulars in your canine’s microchip should be up to date. Lots of people purchase canines and overlook to replace the chip particulars and nonetheless have the earlier proprietor’s particulars on there.

“If you get your dog online, make sure to do it. But it’s important to note that they can move as it’s put near the shoulder blades,” stated Glover.

Wheeler added: “But it’s painless for the animal and takes less than 10 minutes to do. So simple, and straightforward. It’s not a complicated process at all.

“This is generally accepted good practice and doesn’t harm the dog but enables all 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 microchip them.”