Dog theft is a serious and distressing issue for owners in the UK. While overall dog theft figures have seen a recent decrease, it remains a significant concern.

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Statistics:

• In 2024, 1,808 dogs were reported stolen across the UK, approximately five dogs per day. This is a 21% decrease compared to 2023.

• Over the past decade (2014-2024), 23,430 dogs have been reported stolen.

• The recovery rate for stolen dogs remains low. In 2023, only 16% of stolen dogs were returned to their owners, rising slightly to 19% in 2024

 

Most commonly stolen breeds in 2024:

• French Bulldog (51 thefts, a 38% increase from 2023)

• English Bulldog (37 thefts, a 26% decrease from 2023)

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier (31 thefts, a 9% decrease from 2023)

 

Highest year-on-year increase in thefts (2023-2024):

• Rottweiler (180% increase)

• Border Collie (160% increase)

• Chihuahua (86% increase)

 

Historically, London has had the highest number of dog thefts. However, in 2024, Kent recorded the highest number of reported cases. Despite the decrease in thefts, a significant number of dog owners (61% in 2025) remain worried about their dog being stolen.

 

How it Affects People:

The impact of dog theft on owners can be profound and includes:

• Emotional distress: Dogs are often considered family members, and their theft can cause significant grief, anxiety, and trauma.

• Financial loss: The cost of purchasing and caring for a dog can be substantial.

• Insecurity: Owners may feel less safe in their own homes and during walks.

• Impact on other family members: Children and other pets in the household can also be affected by the loss.

 

How to Minimise Dog Theft:

Preventing dog theft involves a combination of vigilance, security measures, and responsible pet ownership:

• Be vigilant: Pay attention to your dog's surroundings during walks and be cautious of strangers asking unusual questions about your dog.

• Secure your property: Ensure your garden and home are secure to prevent easy access for thieves or escape for your dog. Fit locks on gates and consider alarms or CCTV. Front gardens are particularly vulnerable.

• Microchip your dog: Ensure your dog is microchipped and your contact details are up-to-date with the microchip database. This is a legal requirement in the UK for dogs over 8 weeks old.

• Use an ID tag: Your dog should wear a collar with a tag containing your surname, phone number, and address. Avoid putting your dog's name on the tag as it could help thieves lure them.

• Keep your dog in sight: Never leave your dog unattended outside shops or in a car, even for a short time. Both scenarios present easy opportunities for thieves and can be dangerous for the dog's health.

• Train reliable recall: Ensure your dog will come back to you when called, especially in unfamiliar areas. If recall is unreliable, use a long lead.

• Vary walking routines: Change the times and routes of your walks to avoid predictable patterns.

• Be cautious online: Limit the amount of personal information you share online about your dog, such as your address or regular walking spots. Blur or remove ID tags in photos you post publicly. Be wary of friend requests from unknown individuals who show excessive interest in your dog.

• Use reputable services: When using dog walkers, sitters, or kennels, check their references and ensure they are licensed and insured.

• Consider a GPS tracker: A GPS tracking device attached to your dog's collar can help you locate them if they are lost or stolen.

• Report suspicious activity: If you witness any behaviour that seems suspicious, report it to the police.

 

How to Report Dog Theft:

If your dog is stolen, act quickly and take the following steps:

• Contact the police immediately: Report the theft and ensure you receive a crime reference number. Insist that your dog is recorded as "stolen" and not "missing." Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies.

• Inform your local council dog warden: They may encounter stray dogs and can be on the lookout.

• Notify your microchip database provider: Update your dog's status to stolen.

• Contact local vets and animal rescue centres: Provide them with your dog's details and photos.

• Use social media: Share clear photos of your dog and details of the theft on local community groups and missing pet pages. Ask friends and family to share.

• Report to missing pet websites: Websites like DogLost and the National Pet Register can help spread awareness.

• Create and distribute posters: Include a clear photo of your dog and your contact information.

 

How to Deal with Dog Theft:

The UK legal framework has evolved to address dog theft more seriously:

• Pet Abduction Act 2024: This new law, which came into force in August 2024 in England and Northern Ireland, specifically criminalises the abduction of cats and dogs.

  • It recognises that pets are sentient beings and not just property.

  • Conviction under this Act can result in a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

  • Previously, dog theft was primarily prosecuted under the Theft Act 1968, which treated pets as property, similar to inanimate objects.

• Theft Act 1968: While the Pet Abduction Act is now in place for dogs and cats, the Theft Act still applies to the theft of other types of pets.

• Sentencing Guidelines: Courts will consider the emotional distress caused to the owners and the welfare of the animal when sentencing offenders under the Pet Abduction Act.

 

The introduction of the Pet Abduction Act is a significant step towards recognising the emotional value of pets and providing a stronger deterrent against theft. Continued vigilance and proactive measures by dog owners remain crucial in preventing this distressing crime.