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

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Keep forward of the development in trend and past with our free weekly Life-style Edit publication

Canine thefts have been on the rise throughout the UK, in keeping with newest police figures.

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

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

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

Ira Moss, the final supervisor at All Canines Matter mentioned: “We’re seeing a rise in French Bulldogs as a result of they’re very costly to purchase and want lots of vet care.”

The Metropolitan Police additionally registered that there have been 359 canine 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 will you stop it from taking place to you?

Don’t depart your canine exterior outlets

For Moss, extra canine homeowners want to consider the place they’re.

“If I used to be going right into a nook store and I knew that I’d be out and in for a couple of seconds, that’s completely high-quality. However leaving my canine exterior of a superstore – the place it’s possible you’ll spend half an hour doing all your buying – shouldn’t be supreme, individuals may assume the canine has been deserted and take it with them. You wouldn’t depart a child exterior a retailer, would you? Issues have modified,” she mentioned.

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

“Canines have comparable sentiment qualities as people. So if a canine is ready for its proprietor to return, it could be keenly ready. If they’re skilled nicely socially, they’d reply in a pleasant method to a stranger who could also be making an attempt to steal them. They shouldn’t be left weak to strangers. Steward them nicely.”

Make sure that your backyard is safe

“If in case you have a backyard, be sure that they’re fenced up and the again entrance is safe, particularly if they’re small they may get out via holes and are extra susceptible to being stolen,” mentioned Moss.

Kris Glover, the top of scientific behaviour providers at Canines Belief mentioned: “Additionally, don’t assume that your backyard is a secure place for canine unsupervised and by no means depart canine in automobiles. I do know canine are used to being settled in automobiles. Nevertheless it’s very apparent and if somebody decides to steal it they’ve easy accessibility.”

Maintain your canine in sight on walks

When taking your canine for a stroll, it’s straightforward to chill out and overlook to keep watch over them.

“It’s simpler to steal canine in parks and huge areas than breaking into somebody’s home. Your canine must be stored inside because it’s straightforward to clip a lead and take the canine away, and folks will make much less of a fuss about that. Be sure to even have a great recall along with your canine, particularly when a stranger comes as much as it,” mentioned Glover.

Make sure that your canine is microchipped

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

“In the event you get your canine on-line, be sure that to do it. Nevertheless it’s essential to notice that they will transfer because it’s put close to the shoulder blades,” mentioned Glover.

Wheeler added: “Nevertheless it’s painless for the animal and takes lower than 10 minutes to do. So easy, and simple. It’s not an advanced course of in any respect.

“That is usually accepted good observe and doesn’t hurt the canine however allows all totally different businesses and figures to reunite it with its rightful homeowners. In the event you’ve had your canine for seven or six years, it’s by no means too late to microchip them.”