Dog theft is on the rise – what can you do to stop it?

The BBC recently reported that dog theft in the UK has risen by as much as 22% with more than 5,000 dogs having been reported stolen since the beginning of 2013. Among the most commonly stolen breeds of dogs are Staffordshire bull terriers, miniature French bulldogs and pugs which are currently very popular and therefore a target for thieves. Other breeds such as labradors, cocker spaniels and springers are also being stolen, mainly for the purpose of working or illicit breeding.

While new micro-chipping laws introduced recently can help to identify a dog once they are scanned by vets or the authorities, they do not prevent the crime from taking place. So how can you protect your dog and avoid the heartache that comes with having your dog stolen?

The pet charity Blue Cross recommends the following advice to protect your pet:

• Avoid tying your dog up outside a shop
• Don’t leave your dog in the car, even for a short period of time
• Use reputable kennels and dog-sitting services
• Vary your dog walking route and go at different times of the day
• Beware of strangers asking questions about your dog, in public or on social media
• Make sure your garden is secure and never leave your dog unsupervised for long periods of time

They also recommend that dog owners ensure their pet is micro-chipped with updated details of the owners name and address and that their dog has an ID tag with the owners name and address on.

It’s also important that you take lots of photographs of your dog from different angles, including photos where you and the dog are together – proving your ownership.

If the worst happens and your dog is stolen then you should immediately report it to the local council’s Dog Warden and the police – ensuring that the police record the incident as a theft rather than a lost animal. Next, you should report the incident to the microchip database so that your dog will be flagged up as stolen or lost if he or she is brought into a vet.

It’s also a good idea to raise awareness locally, by printing reward posters and posting them in relevant places like vets, public parks and local shops – making sure to include a recent photograph, a description of any identifiable traits and a contact number. Posting on social media can also help to raise awareness – especially if you ask that people in the area share your post.

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