Dog theft on rise as charity reveals shock figures of pets taken from their homes
Dog theft is on the rise for the fourth year in a row, according to new figures obtained by Blue Cross pet charity.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request carried out with UK police forces show dog theft crimes rose by a third in 2015 compared to 2014. The FOI also asked for locations the dogs were stolen from and, despite many owners believing dogs are taken from a public place, the data shockingly reveals over 70% of dogs were stolen from where they live, almost half from within the home itself.
Tricia Scott’s poodle cross Sherbert was taken from her garden in Newport on 15 October. She said: “I can honestly say it's like I have lost a child. My boys are distraught! The only thing that has kept us going has been the support from people. It is getting harder as the weeks are going on not knowing if he is being cared for and is happy.”
Blue Cross’s Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) has been helping pet owners for over 20 years with free, confidential support. Each year the charity receives over 8,000 calls and emails from people who have lost a pet, – some as the victim of pet theft.
Diane James, from the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service said: “We take many calls from owners who are missing their pet, including when a pet has been stolen. We offer support for those struggling to cope with the loss of their pet and give advice to help their children, who can be particularly upset and confused by the loss of their beloved family member.”
Linsey Thomas’s French bulldog puppy Betty was also stolen from the garden. She commented: “Betty was stolen just before my daughter Daisy’s seventh birthday. She has been the most affected by this and refused to have a party or any birthday presents as she just wanted her puppy back. It’s been tough for us all but Daisy is devastated.”
Over half of pet owners believe thieves target homes to steal the family pet. Dog breeds stolen over the last two years have included small, fashionable breeds like French bulldogs, pugs, Shih-tzus and Chihuahuas. Most owners believe they are sold on for cash or used for breeding while others believe they are being used as bait by gangs for illegal dog fighting or for reward or ransom. 69% of owners think criminals who steal pets should face harsher penalties than those who steal property such as a laptop of mobile phone.
Blue Cross Preventative advice:
- Make sure you can keep an eye on your dog when they are in the garden and that all fences and gates are secure and in good repair.
- Prevent your dog from sitting in the window or behind a glass door in view of any passers-by
- Don’t leave your dog alone in the car or tied outside a shop.
- Take clear photographs of your pet from different angles to help prove ownership if needed.
- Train your dog to come back to you when called if in a strange place or if in doubt they will return keep them on an extended lead.
- Beware of strangers asking questions about your dog.
- Make sure you pet has a microchip to increase the chance of being reunited and don’t forget to update your contact details if you move home – now a legal requirement for dogs.
If the worst happens:
- If your pet is stolen report the crime to the police.
- Contact your local animal warden and rescue centres in case your pet escapes or is dumped.
- Use social media to get images of your stolen pet in the public domain
Police advice to secure homes against burglars:
- Fit key operated locks to all downstairs and easy to access windows.
- Lock doors and windows every time you leave the house – even when in the garden.
- Hide all keys out of sight and away from the letter box.
- Install a burglar alarm and good outside lighting.
- Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
- Consider replacing glass door panels with stronger laminated glass.
The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement support line is open 365 days a year from 8.30am until 8.30pm on Freephone number (some mobile networks may charge) 0800 096 6606 and also by emailing pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.
Blue Cross is a charity and does not receive government funding. To find out more about the charity’s work, to see pets needing new homes or to make a donation visit www.bluecross.org.uk
