Your Pets Daily - Dog theft

Canine crime: Expert tips to reduce the risk of pet abduction

Katie Court — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

With dogs being the most commonly stolen pet in the UK, dognapping is an ongoing issue that pet parents should be conscious of. But new laws which will make pet theft a criminal offence across the country could see those convicted of 'pet abduction' face a fine or a maximum five years in prison.

While these new proposals are a step in the right direction, it's important that dog parents are doing all they can to keep their four-legged friends safe. With this in mind, Allie Simpson, Content Manager at Petsure has provided their top tips for preventing dog theft, and what you should do in the event that your beloved pet does go missing.

Get your dog microchipped and keep the details up to date

It's the law in the UK to get your dog microchipped, and one of the reasons for this is to help reunite pet parents with their pups if they go missing. So make sure you keep your dog's microchip details up to date, for example if you move house, so you can be easily reached if they're found. Also double-check that your pet's records are held in a microchipping database that meets government standards.

Using a collar with an ID tag is also the law in the UK, and should include your name and address so rescuers have a way to reach you.

Think about dog theft prevention devices

You can pick up a range of dog theft prevention devices online and in pet stores. For example, anti-theft leads, collars, or harnesses that come reinforced with stainless steel to stop thieves being able to cut them. Meanwhile, if your dog does go missing, a GPS tracker lets you track their live location.

Just remember to do your research on the effectiveness of these devices, and whether they can be easily removed by thieves.

Don't leave your dog alone in public

Thieves are opportunists, so try not to leave your pup tied up outside a shop or restaurant. But don't be tempted to leave them in the car, as dogs can easily overheat.

Secure your home and garden

Having high fencing and a lockable gate can help to stop thieves from trying to take your dog from the garden. Make sure to secure any holes or fence sections that your pup might be able to wriggle through.

Other security measures could include home security systems like video cameras and sensored lights.

Be wary of who knows your location

When it comes to social media, be wary of tagging your location when uploading pictures of your dog, and be aware of who can see your posts. Potential thieves might be able to use this information to find out where you live or the areas you tend to go for walks.

With this in mind, switching up your walking routes and, if possible, the time of day you take your dog out can help keep you both safe.

Teach your pup good recall

Knowing your dog will come back to you when called will give you peace of mind while you're out and about. A recall cue is a separate word from your pups' name such as 'come' or 'here', to form a command such as 'Max, here' when you wish them to return to your side.

Always make sure to stay alert when walking your pup, and keep them close if you spot anyone acting suspicious nearby.

Check out doggy caregivers

If you're leaving your dog in the hands of a professional, whether that be a walker or sitter, make sure they're in safe hands. Do your research and check out reviews before committing, and don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance.

Listen to your fellow dog community

Joining local online pet groups or forums can be a good way to keep up with news in your area. Members of the group may post reports of suspicious behaviour, and if your pup does go missing, this could be a helpful place to find information.

Allie Simpson, Content Manager at Petsure adds, "Pets really are part of the family, and if one goes missing, it can be an incredibly stressful situation. If you do think your pup has been stolen, try not to panic. Report this to the police, and give them as many details as possible. You can also contact your local vet, rescue centres, online community boards, and your dog's microchip database. It might also help to print off 'missing dog' posters to put up in your local area.

"All pet parents should think about having pet insurance to cover the basics, such as vet fees or emergency care. But, some providers, such as Petsure, also offer optional 'missing pet' cover, which can support you for things like advertising costs and rewards fees. It's always a good idea to make sure you're protected, so if the unthinkable happens and your dog is stolen, you're supported in your efforts to bring them back home."

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Dog theft

Over 2,000 dogs stolen each year: How pet owners can protect their pooch

Tom Stone — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

With criminals looking to make a quick buck from the increased dog prices nationwide, pet owners have been warned to take extra precautions to protect their pooches from theft.

Thousands of dogs are stolen from their owners each year in the UK, so experts from Quotezone.co.uk have some pointers to help owners deter dognappers.

Prices for a new pup have stabilised at a higher level than before the pandemic at over £1300, unfortunately making furry friends prime targets for thieves. Over 2,000 dogs are subject to theft each year in the UK, with reports increasing since the pandemic, driven mainly by their increase in value. There is concern that the cost-of-living crisis will trigger a new wave of dognapping, with criminals seeing it as a way to make quick cash.

In the Greater London region alone, the Metropolitan Police revealed that 1029 pets were stolen from gardens in the first five months of 2022. This was a 662% increase from reports the previous year, with only 135 reported garden thefts. Dogs are the most commonly owned pet in the UK, and as a nation of dog lovers, 34% of households are at risk of being targeted for their furry companions.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: "Although precautions such as micro-chipping can help reunite pets with their owners, it, unfortunately, doesn't stop the actual theft. Visible collars with GPS tags may help act as a deterrent but it's important to review home security and where your pup spends time alone.

"Since lockdown, there has been a significant increase in the price of dogs, making them a lucrative target for criminals. However, there are many preventative measures that pet owners can take to reduce the risk of dog theft. We've created a list of some suggestions to help improve security and protect your pup. No one wants to imagine their pet being stolen, but the reality is that the crime will only get worse with the cost-of-living crisis as thieves see an increasing opportunity to make money."

Quotezone.co.uk has revealed ten tips to help prevent dog theft:

Keep pups on the lead

Dogs love nothing more than a bit of freedom out on a walk, but owners eager to avoid harm's way should keep their pooch on the lead to stop them from wondering too far. With no one around, anyone could capture a free-roaming dog. Investing in a long-line lead is a good idea so pets have more space but are still safe and close by.

Practice recall

If owners would rather not keep their dogs on the lead and like letting them engage freely with their new surroundings, teaching them to be highly responsive to recall is vital. Dogs with poor recall are more likely to get lost and targeted by criminals.

Take photos

Be sure to take pictures of your dog from all angles to help identify them, should worse come to worst you may need proof to get them back from rescuers and even photos with yourself and the dog, to help confirm ownership.

Stick to open spaces

Sticking to open spaces and walking with a friend is highly recommended for dog walkers because it's safer, and owners can see all around them. Try and avoid areas such as forests and woodlands with less visibility, it's also more likely that dogs could get lost.

Secure home and garden

Unfortunately, many dogs are stolen from their homes and gardens, so pet owners should consider improving their home security where possible with cctv cameras, burglar alarms, motion sensor lighting and joining the local neighbourhood watch scheme. Gardens are a prime spot for dognappers to target, so ensure they have locks and fences that people can't jump or fit through. Even fitting a bell to the gate, pebble stones around the entrance and additional lights are helpful to alert owners to any potential intruders.

Microchip pooch and keep it updated

If a dog is found after being stolen, pet organisations can read the registration information stored on the microchip to tie registration back to the owner. If a dog is resold after being robbed and an unsuspecting new owner takes it to the vet for a check, they can be reunited. For microchipping to work, information must be updated in the microchip registry. Immediately update contact information such as a phone number and addresses if it changes so the owner and pet can be reunited should they be stolen.

Be wary of social media

Be careful of oversharing location tags and your favourite spots for walks on social media channels, especially live posting, it could make you and your pet more vulnerable.

Invest in a GPS Tracker collar

GPS dog trackers allow dog owners to monitor their pooches' location constantly. As long as the tracker remains attached, they can be located in real-time if they escape, are stolen or run off on a walk.

Don't leave pups alone in public.

Aside from the danger of overheating in the car, leaving dogs in the car is also tempting for thieves. They can quickly smash the window and steal lone pups. Similarly, leaving a pet unattended outside a shop is just as risky.

Vary walks

Dognappers can target people they see going on the same walks regularly, so make sure to alternate routes in case suspicious strangers are watching. Be extra cautious of overly friendly people who ask lots of questions about your dog.

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Dog Theft prevention

Dog theft prevention app - hoping to save the 50+ dogs who are stolen EVERY WEEK in the UK

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:54:59 +0000

After falling in love with her dog Brutus, Warwickshire local and former criminal defence lawyer Sara Burney (45) set out to make sure no dog is torn from its home again.

Research conducted by Direct Line Insurance has revealed that 2,438 dogs were stolen from their owners in 2020 - around 7 per day. A staggering 98% of offences do not result in prosecution.

After she and her family moved to the Midlands from Manchester, Sara took in a poodle - Brutus - at 8 weeks old and quickly fell in love with him.

"We'd always had poodles in my family but had gone a long time without a dog because we just couldn't get over losing our last one. We felt like Brutus was the final piece of the jigsaw starting our new life in the Midlands. We saw his big personality very quickly - he's bright as a button but thick as sh*t. I think if he were a human he'd cure diseases but would have to wear velcro shoes".

After forming a strong bond with Brutus, Sara started using her criminal lawyer skills to research dog thefts, and grew increasingly concerned about losing her furry friend.

"Such a small percentage of dogs are actually found after being stolen, and the ones that are found are usually changed forever. They'll rush their food because they were starved, and loving dogs become frightened of people and lose their sunny personalities. So many dogs are returned with horrendous injuries too - lice, matted fur down to the skin and urine burns. It makes me sick to think what they must have to endure after being taken. Do whatever you want to me but I couldn't bear it if someone took Brutus from me, the thought of him being frightened and alone is horrific".

Determined not to let her dog become another statistic, Sara created a dog theft prevention iPhone app - HOWL.

"If I've learned anything from my time as a criminal defence lawyer it's that every thief thinks they won't get caught. If you make it easier to catch them they run for the hills. During an active walk, HOWL will check on your location and status approximately every 10 to 20 seconds and will relay it to a chosen emergency contact - and only they can access this information through a shareable link. If the worst happens, you can tap a button that blares out an alarm and immediately starts recording so you can capture footage of any theft".

On HOWL, users can also privately store information on their dog so that in the event of a theft, they can get the word out as soon as possible along with details on the exact location and time of the theft and any footage caught by the HOWL app.

HOWL is currently available on IOS devices, but is being developed for Android users as well.

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New offence to tackle dog theft moves step closer

Your Pets Daily Editor — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:40:03 +0000

Government announces plans to bring forward a new criminal offence for pet abduction in Kept Animals Bill
People who abduct dogs will face up to five years in prison, reflecting the emotional distress caused to both the owner and the dog
Today's announcement makes up part of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Pet Theft Taskforce

A new criminal offence to crack down on dog theft and put people who steal these much loved pets behind bars for up to five years has been set out in the Government's Kept Animals Bill today (Thursday 18th November).

The dog abduction offence, announced in September by Defra, will be added by the Government to the Kept Animals Bill, bolstering the raft of measures it already includes to further protect pets, livestock and kept wild animals.

Prior to this new offence, pet theft was treated as a loss of property to the owner. This new offence will take into account the emotional distress caused to both the owner and the dog and will help judges' ability to hand down more targeted penalties and sentences for pet thieves. A provision will also be made in the Bill to extend the offence to other pets in the future, should evidence support this.

By introducing this offence, the Government is following the recommendation of the Pet Theft Taskforce, launched in May 2021 to tackle a reported rise in pet thefts during the pandemic. Evidence shows that more than 2,000 incidents of pet theft were reported to the police last year, causing considerable distress for owners and their pets alike. For crimes recorded by police in which animals are stolen, around seven in 10 involve dogs.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:

"The loss of a much-loved pet causes unique distress. I am pleased that we are legislating to recognise this specific crime.

"The new dog abduction offence will reflect the impact on animals in penalties for criminals, and deliver justice for victims."

Welcoming the introduction of the new offence, Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Christine Middlemiss said:

"The recognition of the distress caused to animals by pet theft is an important step forward, treating them as sentient beings rather than merely property.

"The new offence should build greater awareness of the significant impacts of dog theft on people and animals, and reassure pet owners that these crimes are being taken seriously."

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said:

"The theft of a pet is devastating and we're pleased the Government has announced these amendments which we hope will act as a real deterrent to those who carry out this crime. While the current proposed law applies to dogs, we are really pleased to see the Government has also recognised how much other animals mean to people as well, and put in provision to extend it to other pets. We hope this new law, which will see sentences up to five years, will help crackdown on the heart-breaking issue of pet theft."

Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, said:

"Having your beloved pet stolen is an extremely stressful, often heart-breaking experience. For years, Dogs Trust has called for harsher penalties to deter those who profit from this despicable crime. We wholeheartedly welcome the measures the Government has taken today to tackle pet theft and prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings, and very much hope that the increased sentencing will make pet thieves think twice."

The RSPCA has warned the public about the risk of thieves stealing beloved pets. Victims of this awful crime include French bulldog, Minnie, who was found badly injured and abandoned late at night in Burnley. RSPCA officers scanned her microchip and discovered she belonged to a family who lived 170 miles away in Gloucestershire. Minnie was reported as missing back in March 2020 after being taken from her owner's garden. She is now back at home with her family.

The police advises that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs and take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates.

The new measures form part of the commitment to strengthen the UK's position as a global leader in animal welfare standards. Since 2010, the Government has brought in mandatory microchipping for dogs to help reunite lost dogs with their owners, introduced additional protection for service animals through 'Finn's Law', and introduced Lucy's Law to tackle puppy farming by banning the commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens.

The Kept Animals Bill can be found here.

Today's announcement builds on the UK Government's commitment to revolutionise the treatment of animals in the UK and introduce measures to protect the welfare of animals abroad, as set out in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

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Owners fearful of Dog thefts with new survey revealing numbers are rising

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:37:44 +0000

TERRIFIED animal lovers are going to extreme lengths to protect their pooches after a huge rise in dognapping in Britain, a study shows.

Two in five dog owners are refusing to let their pet off the lead, a third won't take them out after dark, a third are worried about leaving them home alone, and one in seven are taking them for fewer walks.

The study, by Burns Pet Nutrition, shows that three-quarters of owners are concerned their pet will be stolen after a sharp rise in the price of dogs and in animal thefts over the past two years.

Since the start of lockdown last year, the number of dogs ownerships in the UK has gone up almost 50 per cent, from 9million to 12.5million and the cost of buying popular breeds has trebled.

In 2020 there were an estimated 2,355 cases of dog theft in Britain and that figure is expected to almost double this year because of a shortage of puppies for sale and a growing black market in stolen animals.

John Burns from Burns Pet Nutrition said: "We would like to see the laws changed to protect our pets. Anyone who owns a dog will tell you that they treat them like a family member. The current maximum sentence of seven years in prison for stealing a pet is far too light and these longer sentences are rarely given out. The government must introduce tougher sentences for those caught stealing pets."

"The new research has highlighted that pet owners are fearful of their beloved pets being taken. The numbers are shocking, and owners are right to be worried. Whilst thieves tend to target specific breeds, some will steal dogs simply to try and cash in on a reward. It's abhorrent and at Burns we feel the government must do more to curtail pet theft".

The most popular breeds targeted by dognappers are 1. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, 2. Chihuahuas, 3. French bulldogs, 4. Jack Russells, 5. Pugs.

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Stolen Pets. Pet Theft

Taskforce launched to investigate reported rise in pet thefts

Your Pets Daily Editor — Mon, 10 May 2021 18:58:01 +0000

Taskforce launched to investigate reported increase in pet theft and draw up action to tackle these crimes
Taskforce will work with police, law enforcement, and leading experts
Price of most sought-after breeds rose by almost 90% during lockdown

A Pet Theft Taskforce has been launched today to investigate the recent reported rise in pet theft since the start of lockdown, Environment Secretary George Eustice has announced.

Sales platforms have reported a considerable rise in puppy and kitten prices over the course of the past year following more people deciding to buy or adopt a pet. Recent reports have suggested that this may be leading to a rise in pet thefts.

According to DogsTrust, the price for five of the UK’s most sought after breeds grew significantly during the first lockdown with the price of some breeds rising by as much as 89%. Google searches for ‘buy a puppy’ increased by 166% in the months between March and August following the start of lockdown last year. Recent police investigations into dog theft have also resulted in numerous raids and arrests on suspicion of theft and animal cruelty.

The new taskforce has been set up to gather evidence to understand the factors that may be contributing to any perceived rise in thefts and to recommend any necessary measures to tackle the problem. The Taskforce will learn lessons from successes in tackling other types of theft, such as mobile phone or metal theft, and how to clamp down most effectively on this illegal market and those engaged in it.

Stealing a pet is already a criminal offence under the Theft Act 1968, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. If someone causes an animal to suffer in the cause of stealing it from its owner, then they are also liable to prosecution for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The taskforce will be made up of government officials from Defra, Home Office and Ministry of Justice as well as operational partners such as the police. It will also seek input from animal welfare groups and experts in relevant fields.

The Pet Theft Taskforce will:

work with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft
consider the issue from end to end, including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution.
make clear and timely recommendations on ways to reduce pet theft.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:

“Pets are much loved members of the family, and these reports will be distressing for all pet owners.

“Pet owners shouldn’t live in fear so we’ve set up this Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the issue and ensure that we have the measures in place to stop these criminals in their tracks.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

“Having callous thieves steal a much-loved pet is heart-breaking for families and it is deplorable that criminals seek to profit from this cruel crime.

“We are already taking action to combat such lawlessness by bolstering the police with 20,000 extra officers but this new taskforce will ensure we know how best to combat the driving forces behind this distressing crime and clamp down on the perpetrators.”

The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, said:

“We are a nation of animal lovers and many of us have sought the companionship of pets during the pandemic, which makes the reported spike in thefts especially cruel and shocking to many people.

“This taskforce will examine every option available to protect families from this appalling crime and make sure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.”

Taskforce partner, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said:

“Dog theft is a very emotive issue which has a huge impact on families or individuals and we are aware of a growing concern around this issue. The taskforce will support us in understanding this risk and also identifying trends involving serious and organised crime.

“The taskforce will enable us to gather intelligence across the country and tackle groups who work across geographical boundaries. We hope that this is a step forward in providing reassurance that we are committed to understanding any risks fully, and challenging related criminal behaviour.”

The police have advised that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs and should take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates.

The Blue Cross has also published detailed guidance for pet owners on how they can protect their animals from theft.

The taskforce will include representatives from operational partners to provide knowledge, experience and guidance on the practical aspects of reducing pet theft. It will also seek the input from stakeholders and experts in relevant fields, such as campaign groups and animal welfare organisations to gather any evidence they may hold and seek their views on the issue.

The taskforce will aim to report on the findings and publish its recommendations in the autumn this year.

The plans are part of the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare standards and come alongside other measures including taking steps to end live animal exports and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices to be set out later this month.

Further information

The full Terms of Reference for the Taskforce are available on request

To report a crime or if you have information about a pet theft:

We encourage all victims to report these crimes to the police so they can be investigated appropriately. Information about these crimes can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on telephone number: 0800 555 111 or by completing an online form, which can be found at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Buying pets safely:

Anyone looking to buy a pet can get tips and advice on the Petfished campaign website by searching ‘Get your pet safely’ or visiting getyourpetsafely.gov.uk.
The Petfished campaign calls for consumers to remain vigilant, always researching the seller before visiting, reporting suspicious adverts and crucially be prepared to walk away and report suspected cases of animal abuse to the RSCPA or, if witnesses, the police.
If anyone has any concerns about the welfare of dogs in any dog breeding establishment, they should report the matter to the relevant local authority who have powers to investigate.

If you found this article intresting why not take a look at How To Prevent Dog Theft

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Your Pets Daily - Dog theft

Canine crime: Expert tips to reduce the risk of pet abduction

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Over 2,000 dogs stolen each year: How pet owners can protect their pooch

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Dog theft prevention app - hoping to save the 50+ dogs who are stolen EVERY WEEK in the UK

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New offence to tackle dog theft moves step closer

Government announces plans to bring forward a new criminal offence for pet abduction in Kept Animals Bill

People who abduct dogs will face up to five years in prison, reflecting the emotional distress caused to both the owner and the dog

Today's announcement makes up part of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Pet Theft Taskforce

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Owners fearful of Dog thefts with new survey revealing numbers are rising

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Taskforce launched to investigate reported rise in pet thefts

The Pet Theft Taskforce will:

Environment Secretary George Eustice said:

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, said:

Taskforce partner, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said:

To report a crime or if you have information about a pet theft:

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